Susy's Scribbles

Walking at Sinnissippi Park

2010-11-13T14:55:00.000-08:00

It is always special for me to walk with my brother David and sometimes Opie on a bike path at Sinnissippi Park. Especially in the fall, it is beautiful and we enjoy all the colors of the leaves. And, it is fun to walk when it is not so, so hot but yet is not cold either. Thanks to David for always encouraging me to walk and for taking time to go with me. We have a wonderful time together. It seems like I have special activities with members of my family......well, this belongs to David and me.

Sister Time

2010-11-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

My sister Jan and I enjoyed one afternoon together. We went to the Apple Orchard and shopped for all kinds of little seasonal goodies as well as apples, pumpkins, and squash! Then we headed to Olive Garden for dinner. Of course, I had Zuppa Toscana!! Our waiter was really interesting. We discovered that he was in college, studying Spanish and planning to be a nurse. He is adopted.....and if I get the details correctly, his biological father is from Colombia and was involved in the drug cartels and his biological mother is from Central America. In the States, he was raised in a Christian home and appears to have a strong faith. That was a really cool experience!!!! And Jan knows the parents of his good friend! We had a great time!!!!

Visiting My Sister, Jan, and her family

2010-11-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some family pictures from our family get-together at my sister's house while I was in Illinois in October.

Meditating

2010-08-20T17:46:00.001-07:00

MEDITATING ON THE WORD! OPIE IS A REALLY SPIRITUAL POODLE!!!

Our Back 2 School Service

2010-08-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome Back to School service this morning at Nueva Vida in Lasara. The praise and worship was awesome with a quiet but strong Presence of the Lord. We prayed for those with special needs. Then, I gave a message/object lesson for the kids.....some of them were on the edge of their seats, waiting for the "giveaways!" We prayed for all of our children and our teens. And, then we gave them little "goodie bags." Exciting to me was the instant formation of a 5th Sunday School class which will be for the young adults. Thank you, Sis. Susie, for being ready and willing to teach this special group. God is doing marvelous things in our church. Don't miss out on your blessings!!

An Awesome Sunday Service

2010-08-06T17:42:00.001-07:00

We had a sweet Presence of the Lord in our service on Sunday morning. Bro David Salazar from the Brownsville UPC ministered. I know that God touched many of us during the altar service.

Blessings as Hurricane Alex approached

2010-07-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

As I was preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Alex, I got the call that the license plates for my new Edge were ready to pick up. I decided to make a quick trip to get them before starting to get all my outside things in the storage shed. When the salesman gave me my packet of papers for the Edge, he also handed me a check for $35, an overpayment for title, taxes, license plates. That may not sound so special, but I really needed a little cash to fill up the gas tank and get a few groceries. So, this was a special blessing for me.

But that is not all! As I was getting in the Edge to leave, the salesman asked if I wanted to know what happened to my Freestar. Yes, I loved my Freestar and certainly wanted it to have another good home. He told me that a humble couple with five children came looking for a larger vehicle. They had a small car without enough seatbelts for all the children. My van was just about finished and ready for sale so the salesman showed it to them. They were thrilled at the condition of the van--the excellent condition of the carpet and the seats, the radio and both a/c units working, the electric windows and doors working, etc. They bought it. And, the special part is that they are a Christian family and the salesman was able to tell them a little bit about me! I pray that the Freestar will serve them well....and it is a blessing to know that the new owners do appreciate the van.

So, I had a smile on my face from knowing about my van's new home, gas in the Edge, the items I needed from the grocery store, and some cash in my pocket. God is so good!!!

And Alex brought us a lot of wind and rain, but no damage to my house or to our church or to the homes of our church members. The flooding continues and has been very serious in Monterrey, Mexico as well as Reynosa and along the US side of the border. We are praying for all those who are suffering.

Fathers' Day at Nueva Vida, June 20,2010

2010-06-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

We had a terrific Fathers' Day celebration at Nueva Vida. Sis. Susie and Sis. Rosa read scriptures about fathers. After the praise and worship, the children gave their fathers (as well as all the other fathers in the church) gold trophies filled with candy! Then we had a time of sharing about our fathers, a short message, and then prayer for the fathers. Yes, there were also some special gifts as "door prizes". And, then we had a typical Nueva Vida style dinner and lots of fellowship. What a great day!!

A special "thank you" goes to Sis Tammy and Silvia who helped her for working so hard with the children. And to all the cooks: Sis Diana, Sis Delia, Sis Olga, Sis Alma, Sis Norma, Sis Susan--you really outdid yourselves. Thanks to all the others who helped with the meal: Sis Tammy, Sis Susie, Sis Aida, Sis Nicole! We could never do these events without your help. And during the week, the men worked at church too so thanks to Bro Ventura, Bro Balde, Bro Roman for working on the platform, doing painting, having the lawn looking great. You see, we really need all our fathers!!!

Learning New Things

2010-06-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

These days my mind and my fingers are being challenged. I have a new laptop. The keyboard is in English, it has Windows 7, and a touch pad instead of a trusty mouse. That is a whole lot of change for my brain to accomodate. My PC has a Spanish keyboard, Windows Vista, and yes, a nice gray mouse! And if that is not enough, my new Edge has the shift on the floor between the driver and the passenger seats.....I have had the shift on the steering wheel for too many years to count. I am always reaching in the wrong place when I want to shift. And then there are the whistles and bells. Actually, the Edge has little beeps when I back it up and get close to something else. It also has little magnifying side mirrors that almost make me dizzy if I pay attention to them! Then I am also trying to perfect my texting skills.....another kind of keyboard and a different way of sending and seeing messages, not to mention some other beeps and rings to tell me what is happening. Please be a little patient with me.......I want to learn to use Skype too!!!!! Well, back to practicing....or am I playing with my new toys?

Happy Fifth Birthday to Opie!!!

2010-06-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today Opie celebrates his 5th birthday!!! He has ordered CHICKEN and a VANILLA CUPCAKE for his birthday dinner. Opie is a really special friend! I told him that I bought him a new vehicle today.....but he wasn't nearly as impressed as he was when I started fixing his chicken and rice!! I hope Opie has a great year......and many more.

Welcome to my new Edge

2010-06-07T15:05:00.003-07:00

Welcome to my 2010 White Ford Edge. I checked out a number of models and decided that this is the one I want to spend the next few years driving! It looks so pretty and smells so new! And, I am still kind of afraid to drive it!! It will take me a little time to get used to my Edge. I am so thankful to Jon and Dad for giving me some good advice and thankful to God for allowing me to make this purchase!! I am praying that God will protect me and use this vehicle in ways that will bless others. I think you will be hearing more about my Edge in the next few years!

Good-bye to my Freestar

2010-06-07T14:54:00.001-07:00

Today, I tearfully said "good bye" to a faithful companion! I owned my 2004 Freestar mini-van for 6 years 4 months and 2 days! I drove it 113, 720 miles. We spent hours on the Pharr/Reynosa International bridge! We traveled to Illinois to visit the family. And, it served me so well as I moved all my belongings from Reynosa to Raymondville. Only once did it leave me stranded.....on the highway in Little Rock last fall when the transmission went out. We took people to church and on errands! Opie and Chiquita as well as the cats have traveled to the vet in the Freestar....in fact, Opie thought he was a permanent front-seat passenger. I really liked my Freestar and though I have moved on to a pretty, new vehicle, I will miss my van. Thank you, faithful Freestar for all your great service! Many memories remain with you!

Our Church Graduates

2010-06-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 6th, we celebrated the graduation of 7 of our Nueva Vida family. Aliyah, Tony, Francisco Daniel, Karissa and Arturo Jr. graduated from kindergarten. And, Kayla and David graduated from 8th grade. We recognized them in our service. Our desire for these young people is that they live close to God, stay away from things that will hurt their lives, and that they may be richly blessed by God. Following church, we enjoyed a reception with cookies and punch! It was a sweet, special time!!

Things are even worse!

2010-05-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

After posting all the problems with purchasing food, I heard on the news a new discovery! The wooden and plastic pallets used for shipping food also contain DANGEROUS stuff. Maybe I should just go on a forever fast!

Grocery shopping list.....

2010-05-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

The end of the month is here.....and my cupboards and refrigerator are getting empty. It must be time to make a grocery list. I really would like to eat healthy so...

meat is out because of the hormones used to raise it and the cholesteral
canned goods can have contaminents due to the tin cans and preservatives
processed foods have too much salt, sugar, and preservatives
drinks have caffiene and even sugar substitutes are bad for me
organic and natural may not really mean they are THAT organic and THAT natural
fresh vegetables and fruits may have pesticides
there are recalls on food with e-coli and other horrible stuff
and what are those ingredients that have very long, unpronounceable names?...must be bad
everything else has too many calories

Well, I guess I don't need any groceries after all.........

Tribute to Carolino

2010-05-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Remembering Carolino, Opie's Dad

2010-05-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today, Opie and I are remembering his Dad, Carolino. Carolino was about 10 years old and he passed away last Saturday, May 15, 2010. Maxie, his wife and Opie's Mom, died in September of 2008. They had a real wedding with a wedding gown and tuxedo and a delicious wedding cake. For poodles, it was instant love. They really liked being together whenever I would bring Maxie over to visit Carolino. He was a loving father and Opie has many of his traits. Just like his Dad, Opie likes to lean his nose on most anything as in the first picture. He was a faithful pet for Rossy and Domi and a wonderful father to Carola, Opie's sister who lives with them. It is sad to think of not having Carolino around any more......we do get a little comfort thinking he is with Maxie (and Chula, Blackie, Lobo, and a few more of his friends) in the special pet cemetery behind the church in Reynosa. So today, we pay tribute to Carolino, Opie's Dad and my "son in law."

Chaser

2010-05-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, Opie had quite a day. In fact, we changed his name to CHASER. He started this morning by chasing the neighbors' cat, Jo-Jo, out of our yard and over the fence. Then, he went after two stray dogs.....Opie on our side of the fence and the dogs on the other side. He was BIG STUFF and they totally ignored him. Then, he tried to catch some big blackbirds. He charged across the porch and came to a screeching hault at the very edge. The birds had already flown away. But the best was kept for last. He spent the evening chasing lizards. There were several on our sidewalk and driveway. He would run really fast....and then look bewildered as he couldn't find lizards anywhere. So, now I have a black poodle named CHASER instead of Opie......or maybe he should be SNOOZER since he is now sound asleep. I guess he did too much chasing!!!

"Always Write Your Plans in Pencil"

2010-05-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

I was so blessed and challenged by this devotional that I have included a few excerpts. It is written by Len Allen, an author, and I found it in Crosswalk Daily Updates.

" As we walk through our lives we should definitely make our plans, make our lists, but we should write those plans in pencil--so that as God leads us through the daily details and reveals His desires, we can easily make adjustments. Just erase that next item and pencil in a new plan based upon how the Lord is leading."

"Changing the plans of life when written in pencil is much less stressful than when we cling to our list of goals as if they were written in permanent marker."

Mothers´ Day, 2010

2010-05-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

This morning, we celebrated Mothers' Day with a special service. After our praise and worship time, the musicians played and sang the traditional serenade, "Las Mañanitas". Then after a little message on Titus 2:3, 4, and 5, our children did a little skit showing the many roles a mother has to play. The kids were so cute. The last child represented mothers as prayer warriors and we presented the mothers with CDs with scriptures recorded on them. We prayed for our mothers.....and of course, had some special prizes to give them.

A special part of our service was having Bro. Alberto able to attend the service! Please continue to pray for him and for his family that their faith may remain strong as he battles cancer.

And during the past week, we have been in construction.....again.....! This time we are adding a porch for our fire exit, railings on two other porches and a closet off of my office. We are praying for angels to surround our church building and for God to protect it!

Where the Walls Were!

2010-04-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

The walls are down and we have the beginning of a platform.....we need to get the thermostat back on the wall and carpet on the addition to the platform. We are moving ahead!

And the Walls Come Down!!!

2010-04-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

I went to church early this morning to pray. It was such a beautiful, country drive to church. And, then I drove into the parking lot to see a truck with 2X4's sticking out the back parked next to our fire exit. Yes, the walls came down.....the men are making our closets into more platform/altar space. Instead of praying right away, I was taking things out of the remaining closet before the guys could get to it. What does this tell you? We have not even been in our new building for six months and we already need more room...... I am thinking that there is revival in the land. And, I prayed for God to help us to walk gently in the midst of revival and keep our hearts and ears atune to His Voice.

Credit my Visa? I don't have a Visa!

2010-04-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, I don't like to go shopping.....well, actually, I love grocery shopping when I play two games. One is "how much can I save on coupons?" and the other is "how close can I come to the amount I budgeted for this grocery shopping trip?" And, I really like Wal Mart because I can find most everythng in ONE store and pay ONE bill! But, honestly, I am NOT a shopper, especially NOT a window shopper.

That is why I am a catalog shopper. I like the catalog to come in mail so I can sit in my recliner and make decisions at 11 p.m., change them three or four times, figure out how much I can fit into my budget, and then order. I love waiting for those packages to come in the mail too! Am I crazy?

Well, someone is crazy! Yesterday, I received a package from a company I did NOT order from. It contained three items that I definitely had not ordered.....two super large t-shirts with low cut necklines in white and coral and (get this!) a pair of size 28 petite capris in a very busy sunflower pattern. Now does that sound like me?????? The order was in my name, to my address, using my customer number, and was charged to my Visa account. Oops! I don't have a VISA card or account!

So, I called customer service. They verified the order number, customer number, my address, catalog numbers of the items in the package, and that it was paid for by my VISA card. I told them that I had not ordered anything from them since last September, the size of the items was all wrong since I do not wear a petite nor a 28 (thank goodness!), nor do I ever wear capri pants, and that it could not have been charged to my Visa account since I do not have one. The sugary sweet customer service rep told me there was no problem. I can just send the items back in the same container with the return post-paid label included with the packing slip and the reason why I didn't want those items by marking one of the choices on the return slip. That is just fine except, I told the sugary sweet customer rep, there is no choice that says I didn't order the items or they must have been sent to the wrong address. Sugary Sweet says, "Well, just mark whatever. It doesn't really matter. And, tell us if you want a different size or color and we will correct the order." "Sorry, Sugary Sweet, I didn't want the original order and I don't want a different size or color." Sugary Sweet says "Well, ma'm, then we can refund your money." Me: "What money? I didn't pay anything for this. It is an order sent to the wrong place." Sugary Sweet:" Okay, I'll tell you want we can do. We can just credit your Visa account." Me: "What? I don´t even HAVE a VISA ACCOUNT and so it was NEVER charged to my nonexistant account." Sugary Sweet: "Just a minute ma´m, let me check with my supervisor." I wait. Sugary Sweet comes back with the perfect solution. "Okay, Ma'm, my supervisor says that we can just send you a refund check."

Frustration! and a silence! Sugary Sweet says "Ma'm, are you still there??" Me: "Oh, yes. I am just trying to figure what part of "I have NO VISA account so you have NOT charged ME anything so you do not need to refund anything!" you don't understand." Silence. (I guess he didn't get it.....EVER!) Me: "How about if I just return the merchandise and we call it even?" Sugary Sweet says "Well, I guess that might work. Let me get my supervisor's approval." Me: "No, let's just call it even. Otherwise, I think you will be out money anyway you look at it." Sugary Sweet says, "Well, if you are okay with that, I guess it is okay." Me: "I´m good."

Sugary Sweet says (I think he was reading a prompt!) "Well, thank you and is there anything else I can help you with today?" Me: "No, I think I just helped YOU.....so is there anything else I can help you with today?" Sugary Sweet says "What?" Me: "Do you need any help?" Sugary Sweet says "No, thank you." and hangs up.

Who hired that guy?????? And, maybe I should try shopping in stores instead using catalogs................

If you think Easter was great......

2010-04-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

If you think Easter was great at Nueva Vida, you should have been there yesterday morning! We had another wonderful service where God was in control and touched many lives! I can't wait to see what will happen next!!!!!!

Special Visits

2010-04-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Having my aunts, Dad's two sisters here for Easter was really special. In the 40+ years that I have lived in Texas and Mexico, only my immediate family has visited. Then Uncle Jim and Aunt Eunice started spending their winters in the Valley and we have been able to spend a lot of time together over the past 10 years or so. Now to have my Aunt Gladys come to visit for a week was just extra special. I enjoyed visiting with them, going out to eat with them, having them come for a meal at my house, and of course, having them join us for our Easter service and picnic last weekend. It is a privilege to have relatives close by. Since mine live far away, this has been an extra special time for me!!!

Easter Sunday

2010-04-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

Our Easter Sunday at Asamblea Pentecostés Nueva Vida in Lasara, Texas was really special. One of the ladies who has just started visiting us brought two pretty Easter lily plants for the altar. The praise and worship was awesome! We had a good altar service too before the children presented their part. They had prepared a drama using puppets and actors. They did so well! Three of the children read poems and they sang two songs. The whole group sang "Alive, Alive, My Jesus is Alive" and it was exceptionally good. Then a group of girls sang "Celebrate Jesus, Celebrate" in both English and Spanish! I am so proud of the children and their teacher, Sis. Tammy Gonzalez.

Following the service, we had a picnic lunch at Bro Alberto's ranch. The food was great!--brisket, rice, beans, bread, sodas, cake! The kids had so much fun playing, hunting plastic eggs, and breaking "cascarones". I even got one broken on my head!!!

A special blessing for me was having my Uncle Jim & Aunt Eunice and my Aunt Gladys at church and at the picnic to celebrate this special day!! Uncle Jim & Aunt Eunice winter in the Valley and attend our church often, but Aunt Gladys just came for a few days.

(We had 73 people in attendance at church and then 92 at the picnic....some relatives came from other places including Harlingen and the Brownsville UPC. Numbers are not the most important but it is so exciting to me when we have visitors and when new people become regular attendees. God is blessing us!!!!)

I love my church family! Each one of you is so special to me!!!

Aunt Gladys is visiting in the Valley

2010-04-03T07:23:00.001-07:00

How exciting it is to have Aunt Gladys visiting here in the Valley. Uncle Jim and Aunt Eunice went to the Harlingen airport to pick her up on Tuesday....and I met them there. We had a subway lunch together. Then on Wednesday, they came to my house for dinner....and we took a couple of pictures. It was so fun to show Aunt Gladys things that I have in my home that my grandfather (her father) and my Dad (her brother) made. Opie really liked having Aunt Gladys at our house too!! On Thursday, I met them for Chinese food....and we had another good visit. Now we are all looking forward to celebrating Easter tomorrow at Nueva Vida Church and then having a picnic lunch and egg hunt, cascarones, and lots of fun. I am sure I will be posting more pictures soon!!!! Thank you, Aunt Gladys, for coming to visit us!!

Blooming tree

2010-03-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

This blooming tree is gorgeous! I am so enjoying it giving color to my front yard. The tiny petals are making a carpet on the grass too. Spring is such a wonderful time!!!!!

My cousins Visit the Valley

2010-03-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

I was so honored and so excited to have my cousin Darlene and her husband Jim visit Nueva Vida for our morning service. It was another one of those well planned services that just had a few (?) unexpected changes but worked out beautifully. We also enjoyed dinner, eating at Casa Blanca with Uncle Jim and Aunt Eunice. We were also able to celebrate Aunt Eunice's birthday. What a special day!!!!

Reading Update, again!

2010-03-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

Last night, I finished reading "Lost and Found" by Ed Stetzer. I thought it would take me less time.....but it is packed with good stuff and I had to slow down reading to assimilate it all! I hope that I will be able to put some of it to use in my life as a pastor and leader of a church! Well, I should say that I hope AND PRAY that I will be able to put some of it to use. Oh, yes, I already have.......I decided to go high tech (except mine is really kind of LOW tech) and give our church announcements by text, phone, and emails instead of a paper bulletin or announcement time at church. I think it is going to work....if I can handle the technical part, that is!!! Already, I have received responses from several people that I don't usually communicate with all that much....and I have had some good phone conversation and texting with others! Now some of the authenticity stuff is going to take some more work!!! I do highly recommend this book to my pastor friends as well as others in missions and leadership. (Once again, thanks, Jessica for helping me to discover books by Ed. Stetzer!)

Beautiful!

2010-03-13T10:06:00.001-08:00

I love God's beautiful creation in springtime.......yes, especially the roses!!!!!

New Flowers!

2010-03-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Spring is here! Well, it is 88° outside, sunny and windy. Actually we may have skipped spring and moved into summer!! I planted impatiens and agaretums in the flower box in front of my house. And, I have a good number of rosebuds coming along....I just took pictures of the biggest ones. Then I put away about three-fourths of my winter clothes and have the spring/summer ones ready to wash and put in the closets. Yeah! I love spring and summer and fall!! Winter, well, not so much so I am glad to see it go away till November or December. I love the bright colors of spring......and love the newness of life.

The Dedication of our new Sanctuary

2010-02-22T08:25:00.001-08:00

The Dedication of our new Sanctuary finally arrived! We had wonderful weather. There were 76 people celebrathing with us! Our own church musicians, Ropin' the Faith, played so well....just as always! Bro. Alberto Salazar gave a welcome and a few comments about the history of the church. I have been the pastor for 17 years of ups and downs but this is actually the 20th anniversary of the church. We will celebrate that in September as we usually have a "Reunion" Sunday around Labor Day! Pastor Lucio Gutierrez ministered a good word to us and prayed for more growth in the church. And, Bro. David Salazar prayed the prayer of dedication. Bro David is the youngest son of the founding members of the church. Then we enjoyed visiting together and having cake and punch! It was a great day of celebration! (Now I am looking forward to the day when we have 100 people in a service!) Thank you so much to all of you who worked and helped to make this a great day of celebration....those who donated, encouraged, worked, planned......everyone deserves a big thank you!!!

A Little Nervous!

2010-02-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

The special day is almost here!! .....Just today and tomorrow and then we will be dedicating our new sanctuary. The church is cleaned and everyone has their contributions! ....I just worry a bit as I wait for everything to come together for the BIG day! My dream is for an attendance of 125.....I think that is kind of BIG but surely we will have more than the all time high of 73, but then it is a Saturday afternoon and I wonder if some people will just forget. Or if they will have other things to do and just not come....... I do so want everyone to get in on the blessing and share our joy!!!!

Valentine Basket Sale

2010-02-12T17:52:00.001-08:00

Today we finished our sale of Valentine Baskets....a big fund-raiser for the church. After a week of making cookies and candy as well as preparing all the materials for the baskets and wrapping, we put the baskets together at church. Besides being a good money maker to give our treasury a boost, we had a great time working together. I so enjoy working with the ladies in our church!!!

Needed to be part of the church family.......

2010-02-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

I am still thinking about my Sunday sermon. I wasn't talking about salvation, but rather about being a part of a church family. Of course, a salvation experience is the first and most important requisite for being part of the Church. But what do we want when we look at our church membership?

First of all, the nonChristian world has requisites for being part of their groups. They are looking for the beautiful, the young, the rich and the intelligent. So... go figure.....I would NOT qualify nor would most of us.

The church family looks for something quite different. We want believers who are faithful to God and to the church. We need people who are obedient to God and to the teaching of the Bible. And, we need those who are willing to work for the growth of the church. How wonderful it is that we also have those who really want to praise and worship God.

All of us can qualify as part of a church family if we are faithful, obedient, willing and full of praise!!! I like that!!!!!!

Reading Update

2010-02-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of January, I decided on an ambitious list of reading for improvement in my ministry. I have been reading. First, I read Mark Jordan's book, Living and Leading in the Ministry. It was an excellent beginning because it contains lots of teaching that will improve our ministry..with adjustments to the way we do things and how we handle situations. I highly recommend it, especially to new pastors.

Next, I read Joy Haney's book, Be Healed in Jesus Name. It is scripture packed and practical for all those who are seeking healing....through medicine and through divine healing.

Now, I am reading Ed Stetzer's book,Lost and Found, dealing with the 20 to 29 year olds who are not in church. So far, I have learned interesting facts about how this age group thinks and believes. While it is statistical, it is enjoyable reading. I have it underlined and starred already so I can go back and put some of the findings to use in our church.

And, there are still 11 more books on my list........

Nueva Vida gets new pews!

2010-02-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

Nueva Vida is definitely an exciting church!! This week, we found pews for sale online, checked them out, decided they would be appropriate for our church, got a loan to cover them, and two couples and another man took off for Baytown to buy the pews and bring them back. They rented a huge U Haul truck...loaded it up (and that was lots and lots of work), drove the U Haul back to Lasara....and yesterday the guys unloaded the pews into our church sanctuary. Now, we have lots of pews and adequate seating for those who attend. We are so happy and God has blessed us GREATLY!

To make things just a bit more exciting, today, we started our new schedule which includes Sunday School for adults. For a first time with the new schedule, things went very smoothly and we had a great service. God was among us to meet needs and to bless us!

Serving God is SO AWESOME!!!!...especially at Nueva Vida!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who worked so hard so that we could have these pews today!! I love my church! I really have the greatest congregation!!!!

Expectant......

2010-02-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

Well, today is Kiarah's due date. Kiarah is Opie's sister who lives in Veracruz, Mexico......and she is having babies! Hopefully, there will be two or three so that Opie and I can have a baby to love and train! We are so excited as we wait. Will it be a girl or a boy???? We have secret names picked out for either.....just in case....... More news will follow, I'm sure!

Books to Read in 2010

2010-01-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

I have developed a list of books for me to read for my own growth both spiritually and as a pastor. Thanks to Bro Kent and Sis Tracie Smith, Sis Jessica Marquez, and Sis Vicki Simoneaux for the input they all gave me as I was making this list. Here it is:

1--Living and Leading in the Ministry by Mark Jordan

2--Healed in the Name of Jesus by Joy Haney

3--Reflections of the Man in the Mirror by Rufus Parker

4--Grace Full Leadership by John C. Bowling

5--Columbia--the Rest of the Story by Sidney Purdue

6--21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell

7--11 Inovations in the Local Church--How Today's Leaders Can Learn, Discern and Move into the Future

8--Spiritual Warfare in Missions by Ed Stetzer

9--The Comeback Churches by Ed Stetzer

10--So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore

11-Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson

12--Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Cymbala

13--Year of Privilege, Year of Blessing by Barbara Willoughby

14--Lost and Found, The Younger Unchurched by Ed Stetzer

I do not plan to read these in any special order.....the order may depend on how quickly the orders arrive or I buy the books! At least one is on backorder already and one is to be published in June. So, now I have to get busy and read!

What Happened?

2010-01-14T08:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I have just not added to my blog for a long time. It is time to get with it and make a goal for this year: to blog at least once a week. Now, will I be able to really attain this goal??????

Nueva Vida Christmas Service and Dinner

2009-12-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

How exciting to gather as a church family and guests to honor and celebrate Jesus! That is exactly what we did at Nueva Vida this morning. We sang, we prayed, we read scripture all to worship Jesus. A testimony pointed out that we had a vision for a new building this year of 2009. Now our dream is a reality! And, the next step is a dream, a vision to grow deeper in our individual and cooperate walk with our King. The children sang Christmas songs honoring Jesus and also read scripture passages. After the message and our closing songs and prayer, we gave candy bags and stuffed animals to the children and 2010 scripture calendars to each family. Oh, I can't forget that we all had to sing "Feliz Navidad", wishing each other a Merry Christmas. Then came our dinner and lots of fellowship around the good food.I am so thankful to all of those who worked so hard to decorate the church, prepare the program and the food and make everything go so smoothly. We had another first today also---we now have a drummer as one of our musicians. Thank you, Bro. Ricky, for joining us in making a joyful noise to the Lord. But I have saved the best news for last. We had record attendance today....73 people filled our sanctuary! I cannot begin to explain how exciting this is for me considering that 16 years ago, the church was advised to close since it did not have a reasonable possibility for growth. But, with the help of the Lord and lots of work, Nueva Vida is growing. Praise the Lord for His Goodness! And, Merry Christmas to everyone!

Our New Sanctuary is in Use

2009-11-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

How exciting it was to come back to our church yesterday and find the new sanctuary ready for our service. Of course, we have only plywood floors which are noisy and there is no interior decorating finished yet. We need to add the drums to the platform also....and then the platform will be full!!! The church family worked so hard to make everything look just great and to get the work done while I was gone. This time, it was not such a big surprise as I knew we had someone working on changing the doors, putting up the sheetrock and painting. I didn't know that the ceiling fans/lights and the chandelier would be up and the pews already moved. I thought we would wait to use the building for the first time on Dec. 20th for our Christmas program and dinner....but since everything was ready, no one could wait. Now it will be ready for our Ladies Christmas Fellowship too. It seems like a dream that we could actually do all of this with very little to pay off! God has been really good to us and we are most thankful!!!!

October and November in Illinois

2009-11-14T08:29:00.001-08:00

What a trip I had to Illinois this time! It would take so long to write all the things that happened so I am just going to make a list!

Van trouble in Little Rock, Arkansas

A ride in an Arkansas State Trooper's vehicle, lights flashing

A ride in a three steps up cab of a tow truck

A long stay in a motel in Little Rock

Sunday dinner at Stockholm Inn, a family favorite Swedish restaurant

Shopping and Chinese and girl talk with my sister Jan

Shopping and walking at Sinnissippi Park and eating out at Taco Bell and Beef-A-Roo with my brother David

Sunday dinner at my sister's....really good food and fellowship

A trip to Batavia to see my Aunt Shirley (and the cast on her foot!)

Trips to the Apple Orchard with David

Ice Cream at Culvers with John and Shirley Davis

Bible study and goodies at Al and Gladys Damrose's

A weekend trip to Iowa to visit my brother Jon, his wife Gwen, Allen & Anne and Allison. Lots of good visiting and good food. Trips around town. Attending their church on Sunday. Oh, yes, Oscar the cat and Lucy the granddog were there too.

Opie had to go to jail for four nights (the kennel) but was greatly spoiled the rest of the time!!

A visit with Gaylord and Peggy (my cousin and family)!

Baking and cooking at Mom's! I love doing it!!

Long talks around the kitchen table!!!

It was a great time........and now we are looking forward to next year!!!!

A Special Answer to Prayer

2009-10-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Nicole's Mom shared with us a very special answer to prayer. Nicole is coming home and will NOT be going to Iraq. This is so good because it is just not what we felt was best for her and for her son.....however, I really do respect and honor her for being willing to defend her country. We are all so thankful to God!

Travel Time

2009-10-19T11:29:00.001-07:00

Well, this is the stressful time. I have just today left to get everything ready for my trip to Illinois! I hope to leave in the morning around 6 a.m. and drive as far as Hope, Arkansas. Then on Wed., I will still have 810 miles to go in order to arrive in Rockford at my parents' home that night. Opie is definitely wired as we try to pack the van, finish up laundry and get the cats' ready to stay here. They will be cared for by the girls who live next door. Please pray for me as I travel and then enjoy fun days with my family in Illinois and Iowa!

Pastor Appreciation

2009-10-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today I am feeling so special and so appreciated!! This morning in our service, my church family celebrated Pastor Appreciation Month by giving me a lovely card and gift of money. The comments on the card are so special and I will cherish them forever! And, the money comes at a great time, giving me a little extra spending money as I travel north to visit my family. I love and appreciate my church family so very much and thank them for this recognition of Pastor Appreciation Month as well as all the other ways that they show their love for me!

Thinking about pumpkins......

2009-10-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

This is what is on my mind as I am preparing for my trip to Illinois....it is a 2008 scene. Before long, I should be able to post a 2009 scene.

Lasara Ladies' Fall Fellowship

2009-10-10T10:07:00.001-07:00

Even though a norther blow in with wet and windy weather, we had a great ladies´ fall fellowship. I counted about 30 women from four small churches. I was so pleased that three ladies from my church came to a women's fellowship for the first time and two of our ladies brought visitors. We had good praise singing and testimonies plus the message. We also prayed for several women....sometimes easier to do when husbands and kids are not around. And, then the food and fellowship was superb. The Nueva Vida ladies always outdo themselves with delicious food and lots of it. I was so happy .... I couldn't even get to sleep when I got home!!!!!! (The next one will be on Dec. 11th--the Ladies' Christmas Fellowship!)

Pumpkin Pie Squares

2009-10-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe I got from my sister, Jan Mosher, and it is super wonderful!!!!

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Crust:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine

Filling:
2 cans (15 oz. size) solid pack pumpkin
2 cans (12 oz. each) evaporated (Carnation)milk
4 eggs
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp salt

Topping:
Mix together
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

Combine crust ingredients till crumbly. Press into a greased 9X13 cake pan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, beat the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl (by hand, not with a mixer) until smooth. Pour over crust. You do not need to cool the crust. Bake for 45 minutes. Sprinkle the topping over the top and bake for an additional 15 min. or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool. Store in refrigerator. Serve with whipped cream. Yield 16 to 20 squares.

**My note: I used 3 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Also, I had to bake it longer....so I baked it for 50 min. before putting on the topping and 25 min. after the topping was on.***

Enjoy this! It is so, so good! Great for the fall/Thanksgiving and Christmas season!

Praise in the Sanctuary

2009-10-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, Oct. 4th, we went into the new sanctuary at the close of the morning service. Sis Diana and Sis Delia had posted a sign saying "Welcome, Holy Spirit." We are ready to fill the new building with our praise, worship and prayer. Of course, it is not finished so the insulation is all that is on the walls, the floors are not finished and there is no electricity. But we sang a praise song and then we prayed. It was a special time.....the very beginning many services of singing, worship, prayer, giving, and receiving the Word.

Nicole Leaves for Iraq

2009-10-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Nicole--a former SS child, now a young mother--leaves for her final training at Fort Bliss. Then right after Thanksgiving, she will be headed to Iraq for 8 months of service there. I cannot imagine what it is like for her to leave Max, her 4 year old, behind....and of course,the rest of her family. I am praying for her protection during this difficult time and praying that she will feel Jesus near to her at all times. Nicole, as your pastor, please know that I will be praying for you....and Nueva Vida will be praying for you. Go with God's blessings and protection. We love you!!!!!

Errands and shopping

2009-10-07T07:01:00.001-07:00

When I say I am going on errands, this is what I mean, in case you ever wondered!

I am going to buy gas for the van.
Take care of banking needs.
Stop and check my P.O. box, buy stamps, mail letters and/or bills.
Get office supplies from Office Depot.
Buy large quantity stuff, usually for church functions, at Sam's.
Have minor things like oil changes and bulb replacements for the van.
Pick up stuff for fundraisers at Hobby Lobby or one of the Dollar-variety stores.
Deliver stuff to someone in Reynosa.
Buy household items and pet stuff at Wal Mart.
Leave or pick up clothes at the cleaners.
Buy dog treats and supplies at PetsMart.
Pay the city water bill.
Buy groceries at HEBs.
Grab a "I don't really like it but just cuz its easy" cheap hamburger.
ETC.....anything else I HAVE to do.

HOWEVER, when I say that I am going shopping (which is pretty rare), I mean this.

I will browse around in Wal Mart for anything new and interesting.
Check out the pet outfits at PetsMart.
Wander the scrapbook and decor areas of Hobby Lobby.
See if there is anything I like at DSW
Maybe look around in a dress shop.
Look and laugh and choose greeting cards to send.
Browse the Christian bookstore shelves.
Sit in a restaurant like (MiMi's Cafe, Cracker Barrel, Luby's or Chaya's), order my meal and eat slowly.

I repeat, it is pretty rare to find me shopping.

****Now when I am on my trip to Illinois and Iowa, YES! I will do some shopping!--and hardly any errands.

Sweet encouragement!

2009-09-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, pastors go home and wonder if anyone even heard the sermon....or cared....or liked it.....or ANYTHING! I spend hours studying and preparing. Yet many times, I have no idea if it helped someone or not. But this morning,I had a little ray of sweet encouragement. One of the men in the church told me that he has 2 lost lambs among his children and 2 are found. Two of his children are in church along with their families...but two of them are not in church yet. And, then he added that he has 3 siblings that are lost and 6 that are already found....there are 10 brothers and sisters and only 3 of them are not in church yet. When those 2 and those 3 are found, he will be completely happy. Yes, I preached on the parable of the lost sheep! .....two Sundays in a row! And the message touched him. How thankful I am that God sends us some sweet encouragement now and then.

Musical chairs...maybe

2009-08-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided that I didn't like the arrangement of furniture in my living room. So, yesterday, I moved a rocking chair and a recliner out....actually they are sitting, waiting in the kitchen. Then I cleaned and moved things around in the living room. Now I like it.

That means the rocking chair and the recliner need to go in the den. However, I have to move a wooden bench (the old fashioned kind from coffee shops) into the kitchen. I measured and discovered that the rocking chair and the recliner with a small "end" table will not fit in the space I have in the den.

Now I have to move a small table to my bedroom. That table has been used for the shredder and the copier so they will have to find a new place in the den. The small table (which is the "play" table I had when I was a little girl, a gift from my parents!) will take the place of small folding table which now has the phone, my Bibles, and the alarm clock on it.

That means that the folding table will need to be folded up and put in the guest bedroom where it can be used for a suitcase or writing when I have guests.

Today, I will hope to clean the guest room, move the folding table out of my bedroom and into the guest room, making a space for the small table from the den.

I think I would rather be taking the church bus to get M & M-colored dots painted on it like Sis Tracie is doing.................. (But, honestly, I am loving this moving around!!!! and to make the "musical" part of the title TRUE, yes, I have some good CDs on, starting with the one from our church group, Ropin' the Faith!!)

Moving furniture is good! Really! It allows me to clean in places I don't always clean so well! It gives my house and my furniture a new look! And I spend a little time enjoying what is mine and remembering where it came from and when it has been! So, on with the musical chairs!!!!!

Back to School Weekend!

2009-08-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Our Back to School weekend had two parts. On Saturday, we had a youth rally at Smiley Park in Raymondville. Our church group played and sang. And we also had a group from Alamo who played and sang and then their youth pastor brought the message. I was so, so worried that not very many people would come or that things wouldn't work out just right. So, I was thrilled with the large group of people who came--some from churches and others from the neighborhood. We counted up to 150 and stopped because the group was a little mobile, coming and going and changing seats or just standing! We served hot dogs, chips and drinks following the rally. For a first try (speaking of me and Raymondville!) I thought it was wonderful. On Sunday, our church had a special service for the children. My message was especially for them. We prayed for all those who will be returning to classes as well as the teachers, coaches, administrators, counselors and school support staff. Finally, we gave each child a backpack or bag filled with school supplies, individual bags of cookies, and juice pouches. It was a little wild and was fun. These kids have great potential and we pray that they will use it for the Lord. Our young people and our children are so important....we pray for their safety at school and that they will do well and be positive witnesses in their schools.

Things I have learned this past week (well, I think I have learned them!)

2009-08-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

1--If you leave the water on and the garden hose in the middle of the yard, then go to answer the phone and not return......the water will keep on flowing!

2--Chiabatta bread doesn't freeze and thaw really well.

3--Even dogs don't like all kinds of cereal.

4--Some people can only devote themselves to ONE major project at a time.

5--Some things I know are better left unsaid....and not even thought about too much.

6--Not all people can handle teamwork.

7--Some things are best taken care of ONLY with prayer and quiet!

8--I need a FUN vacation!!!

More progress on our church addition

2009-08-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

We are moving ahead in the building. Now we have all the air conditioning ducts installed and the insulation has been delivered to the church. I think it will be next week before the men start putting up the insulation. It is so exciting to stand inside and think about how it will be to actually use the new sanctuary. I am praying that it will really be A PLACE FOR THE NAME OF THE LORD!

The Wiring is Done!

2009-08-05T05:49:00.001-07:00

The progress on our new sanctuary is so exciting! Now the pictures from the inside show that the platform is in place and we have the beginnings of two closets. These will be used for our instruments and probably cleaning supplies. The wiring is completely done except of course for the connecting of the ceiling fans and the lights on the porch. This week, the ducts for the a/c unit are probably going in and next week we will start on the insulation. Building a house for the Name of the Lord is AWESOME!!!!

And a Little More Progress!

2009-07-27T11:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we saw the completed porch! We are probably going to stain the floor and the railings....giving it a country look. Inside, things are exciting too! The platform is now built and the "shells" of the two closets and the place for the a/c unit are also up. This week, the wiring should be put in. Next on the list, I am told, will be the insulation and the duct work for the air conditioning and heat. We have enough money for the wiring and for the electrician....then we have to gather some more for the insulation and the men will put that in. We have a yardsale this weekend and also we are serving spaghetti plates after the Sunday morning service.....working toward buying the insulation and stuff for the ducts.

We had a wonderful testimony too. One of our young ladies had a tumor and was going to most likely have a hysterectomy......but God healed her. When she went to the doctor appointment last week, he told her that the tumor is gone. Praise the Lord for this healing. And we had 6 visitors and 5 visiting family members so we had a full house. God is so good to us.

Up and Down Week

2009-07-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well, this week can be best described as an up and down week. Here's the list:

We have the windows in and the porch up on our church addition.
The engine light is ON in my van again...now what is wrong?
I had a good visit with a neighboring pastor's wife.
My new yardman surprised me by waking me up early on Monday morning so he could mow.
One of my special friends became very ill....and then is recovering well.
A very special friend passed away, was promoted to Heaven.
The workman I was waiting for never showed up.
Two special people in my life got not-so-good reports in their fight with cancer.
We had a good fundraiser (selling meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans as plate lunches.)
Home Depot would not let us use our new credit account. Why?
A young lady in our church received a wonderful healing.
We had enough money to buy the material for wiring the new addition to our church.
Some great news....my friends are going to be grandparents (and greatgrandmother, and aunts,etc.)

Yes, that is life.....sometimes up and sometimes down! But God is always in control. And we can count on that!

A Tribute to MawBrock

2009-07-24T08:18:00.001-07:00

Today, there is a sad and triumphant service marking the passing of MawBrock from this life to Heaven. How I wish that I could be in Lufkin with all the family and friends. Since I can't, I have decided to dedicate a blog to her today...and it is impossible to leave out PapaBrock so he is included too.

I met Sis Brock in the cafeteria of the school in Pasadena where I was teaching 4th grade. She was the cafeteria manager. We talked a bit now and then. I saw her husband and her daughter in law and the kids come to school at times. Finally, I asked where she went to church and found out that it was Apostolic Temple. That began a friendship that led me to Apostolic Temple and lots of wonderful times with the Brock family.

Papa and MawBrock invited me out to eat after church....we would go to Casa Ole, Taco Bueno, Denny's and Wendy's often with Martin and Debra and LeeRoy and Elaine. We also went to Luby's on week days. I went shopping with her at Marshall's and Target! Papa and MawBrock invited me to go up to Lufkin with them and I learned how to ride a three wheeler. Glenda and I would ride and sometimes MawBrock and I would ride out in the country around their fields and house. They "carried" me with them to Louisiana Campmeeting and I was introducted to UPC summer campmeetings and all the excitement that means! I made all the bulletin boards outside the cafeteria for MawBrock and had such fun doing it. They invited me to have Thanksgiving with them....and the rest of the family. What wonderful food! and what wonderful fellowship! I remember the day we were shopping at the Mall and entered a baby shop.....that's where Debra told me that she was expecting Kristi and I felt so honored to share that special time with the family. Once I cut my finger tip almost off and could not stop the bleeding....it is hard to believe, but Papa Brock held my hand (put pressure on the cut), MawBrock fixed my hair (incredible!), and then she bandaged my finger! We laughed together, visited, prayed, worshipped at church, Papa "preached" to us, and we ate a lot. Italian Cream Cake! Hers was always the very best! I remember lots of trips in the car or truck from South Houston to Lufkin and then fun times there, especially when Glenda went with us!!! She will remember our times buying "watches" in Woolworth!!!!

Time went by and they retired and I moved down to the Valley. Over the years, we talked on the phone and visited whenever I had a chance to go to Houston or even through Lufkin. I always felt the same warm friendship whenever we would talk or be together.

Papa and MawBrock were great examples in their spiritual life, their hospitality, and their love for life and people. They made a very deep impression on my life and even my ministry. They leave us some very difficult footsteps to follow.

And, they leave me very special friends:Debra and Martin, Kristi, Kraig, Glenda, Wesley, Glenn and the rest of the family.

I thank God for bringing Papa and MawBrock into my life! The memory of them will always be precious!

Note: Thank you, Kristi, for letting me post the picture of MawBrock and the grandchildren, Glenda, Wesley, Kristi and Kraig. I love this picture of MawMaw--the way she will remain in my memory.

Porch and Windows!

2009-07-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we all were excited to see the new porch and the windows in our church addition. The porch is not quite finished and then will need to be painted. However, each little addition makes the building look a lot better. Everyone is so happy to see the progress! Next we will be getting enough money to pay for the wiring and the electrician.....so we have to work some more!! We are believing that God will help us finish what we have started.

A Fun Summer Day

2009-07-17T07:24:00.001-07:00

Summer is supposed to be for vacationing and doing things one does not usually do....so I spent the day in Reynosa yesterday. I took Opie to be groomed and had a good visit with Silvia, the wife of our vet. Then I visited my "old" neighbors, Lupita and her girls, Mariela and Melissa. We shared pictures of Mariela's graduation from secundaria (kind of like middle school) and Melissa's ballet recital, and my trip to Illinois and Wisconsin. Then we had a wonderful lunch at my favorite fast food in Reynosa, Pollo Loco!!!! Finally, I went to get Opie and we visited with Sis Sara and Sis Domi at their restaurant. It was fun to catch up on the past month....and not be in any special hurry!

Looking Better!!

2009-07-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today, the workmen painted our new church addition. We are still waiting on a delivery of the windows. The little space where we could see inside has been closed and the lock for the front door is supposed to have gone on later this afternoon. I think the building is looking really good!!!!!

And Here It Is!!!!

2009-07-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Here it is! The new addition to our church! This will be the sanctuary and the current sanctuary will be a fellowship hall and room for additional Sunday School classes. The front door was a real blessing. It was specially ordered by someone who never came to buy it and so we got it for less than the original price. Tomorrow the painting of the outside will begin....unless it rains again as it did today after the morning service. I am so excited to see our dream come to reality. Now there is a lot of work to finish the inside...but this is a big step forward.

What's Better Than Getting Home after a Long Trip and Having a New Addition to the Church?

2009-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well, getting home after two long days of driving and then seeing our beautiful new addition to the church was AWESOME!!! But, the excitement continues!! This morning in church, our musicians announced that the CD they have been working on is DONE and they showed us the first copies. How absolutely wonderful!!!! And to make it even more special, it is dedicated to "Jesus Christ, our church, and our pastor, Susan Roen." I have NEVER had a CD dedicated to me before. It is really special!! Okay, and the CD is more wonderful than I can explain!!!! (They can be purchased for $10, by the way!). What exciting, thrilling, marvelous days!!! And, God gets all the GLORY!!!

What's Better Than Getting Home after a Long Trip?

2009-07-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

Thank God, I arrived safely home after being away since June 23rd. It is so good to sleep in my own bed again.....be with my pets--Huracán, Florecita, Charlie Anderson, Chiquita and of course, Opie. It is even good to have my own bathroom and kitchen! And, how great it is to see and hear from my friends and those in my church!!!

BUT THERE IS SOMETHING EVEN BETTER THAN GETTING HOME FROM A LONG TRIP, ESPECIALLY THIS TIME. I knew as a pastor I should be agreeable....and really I had no reason except being tired, not to go to church to pray for a man who had requested prayer. However, I wasn't all that excited. And, then when our music ministers, Bro Ventura and Sis Diana wanted to pick me up (since I have been doing so much driving lately), it did seem a little strange. We drove to the church....and as we were arriving, they were commenting on the progress of the addition to the Catholic church. ALL OF THE SUDDEN, WE DROVE RIGHT UP TO THE ALMOST COMPLETED SHELL OF OUR NEW ADDITION! I had NO idea that it was being built as I traveled. They even VOTED NOT TO TELL ME...and just surprise me!!!! It is awesome. Of course, the inside is not finished and so it is not useable at this point. But it is all paid for with the money we have been saving.....and we even have a little left over to help as we start saving for the inside. I think we will get more offerings and donations because people will see the building and know that we really need to get it ready for use!

I will try to post some pictures later.....for now, I am still in shock over seeing it almost completed.....NOW THAT IS EVEN BETTER THAN GETTING HOME AFTER A LONG TRIP!

I have the best congregation in the whole world!!!! I just cannot say how much I appreciate all their work and dedication......and even the surprises!!!! To the congregation of Asamblea Pentecostés Nueva Vida of Lasara, Texas: YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!! WHAT A JOY IT IS TO BE YOUR PASTOR!!!

Jailed poodle, hospitalized van, grounded owner!

2009-07-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well, for excitement this trip to Illinois, Opie, the poodle was in jail. That is what he thinks of boarding at the vet in Rockford. He is definitely not a happy camper! But, I paid the fine and he is out.

Then, my van had problems and got taken to the dealership "hospital" for major repairs which will cost $1350. Now that is MAJOR! And, to top it off, the parts have to travel all the way from Lithuania and are delaying our return to Texas. Now that is not good either! We are hoping the parts will arrive and the van will be fixed on Wednesday (July 8th). More than that, we are PRAYING those parts get here.

So, now I am grounded with no vehicle for getting around and we will not even think about the finances for the van repair!

I am trying to be positive and realize that I am safe here, not stranded on an interstate somewhere, can still enjoy being with my family, and everything will be ready to go before long. It just kind of put a dent in some of my plans...make that a very big dent.

So this trip will be remembered for the jailed poodle, the hospitalized van and me, being grounded as well as a lot of positive, fun things.

The Roen Family Reunion

2009-07-04T15:09:00.001-07:00

Saturday, June 27th, 2009 was the big day we had waited for....our Roen family reunion. Dad's two sisters were able to attend and there were lots of cousins there. Since many of us don´t get together hardly at all, it was great to see so many from far and near. My Dad reminisced a bit with us all....and we had a lot of time to visit with each other. My cousin Mark MCd the giving away of door prizes and that was fun. It was just a great time.

Family seems to get more and more important with each passing year. This time, we had several family members who had passed away in the last few weeks. While we rejoice in our memories of their Christ-like lives, we just plain miss their presence with us. It is so exciting to see the children growing and the young adults becoming mature adults.

Yes, God created families and He is in our midst as we celebrate together our family heritage and our current news. I felt His Presence and I am sure others of our family did as well. I am so thankful for my family....my aunts and uncles, my cousins, and all the little ones joining our family....and of course, I'm thankful for my Dad and Mother, David, Jon & Gwen, their children, Allen & Anne and Allison, and Rick & Jan and their children, Ben, Eric, and Melissa. Thank God, too, for families!

So Proud!

2009-06-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

I´m so proud of the men in my church! Really! We had a terrific service today! And, it was FUN! Three of them shared the sermon time....with short messages. They did such a good job. We were all blessed and there was meat in the messages, especially for the fathers. I am so excited when I see leaders emerging from the congregation. I know that if we have several strong leaders in the church, the future of the church is secure. We laughed a lot too and we need to do that in the church family just as we need to cry together. We had two first time visitors, two visitors returning for the second time and one man who used to come regularly but hasn't been in church now for years. I am thankful for every visitor we have....and super excited as they start coming back! Thank God for meeting with us one more time in a unique and blessed way!

...pretty stressed.......

2009-06-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I am less than one week from leaving on a trip to Illinois/Wisconsin....and there is so much to do!! We are having a church fundraiser....gift baskets for Fathers´ Day. I am making chocolate peanut clusters today and we put the baskets together on Friday morning. We are planning a special Fathers' Day service including a dinner--I am baking cakes for that. And, of course, I have to plan for the service. Then, I still have a scrapbook to finish up for a door prize for our Roen family reunion...and the new address books to finish printing and stapling. I have to get all the food, etc ready for the cats and dogs, show the girls who are cat-sitting what they need to do, and get Chiquita to the kennel. Of course, I have to pack....and I always take lots and lots of stuff with me--don't know why. LOL! And, I have to work in the yard some more, clean the back porch, and clean the house. I have 5 1/2 days to get all that done. Yes, I am feeling pretty stressed right now! The one good thing is that I will get it done.....I always do!

A Great Sunday Service

2009-06-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

This morning, we had a great service at Nueva Vida. Why? Well, first of all, the Presence of God was there to meet with us! Then, a family who had been missing services for a few Sundays walked in--all 6 of them. One of the little girls who came to Sunday School years back, came for a visit. A family who has been coming less than two months entered into our praise and worship with all their hearts. A darling visitor brought a plastic grocery bag with coins to add to our missions offering. ( We collect all our pocket change each Sunday and then use it for missions projects. No, we don't believe that missions are ONLY worth our pocket change!) Her generosity will not go unnoticed by God. A preK...now going to be a K student...whose family is so faithful, such good leaders, a blessing to the church.....brought her own offering envelope and wanted to be sure that she could place it in the offering plate herself. The brother who opened the service with scripture chose just the right verse--just one verse, but powerful! The praise and worship team were awesome, choosing just the right songs for today! They are always awesome...so can I say that they were awesome-r than usual? I guess more awesome is the correct way to say it! It was so easy to preach the sermon I had prepared to hearts that were hungry and receptive. And, last of all and most important of all, the Presence of God was there with us. Thank you, Jesus, for a great Sunday service!!!!

Good Quote

2009-06-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Be patient with yourself and others. There are no shortcuts to spirituality. Growing fruit takes time. --author unknown

Happy Birthday, Opie Morales!

2009-06-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

Opie is celebrating his fourth birthday today! We had baked chicken breast and mashed potates with ice cream for dessert for a special meal. He was so willing to pose for pictures on the sofa.....in fact, he didn't want to stop posing!!!! We will be going to Reynosa next week so he can see his Dad, Carolino and his sister, Carola, our friends, Lupita, Mariela, Melissa and their lab, Galileo, and of course Opie's favorite vet!!!

Opie is such a joy to have around as company. He is so faithful and often very comical. He entertains me a lot! He has never chewed on shoes or been destructive in the house. ....well, he did get into toilet paper, tore it in little bits, rolled in it and looked like a backwards Dalmation....little with white spots on a black coat! And between Opie and his Mom Maxie (who we still miss a lot), they chewed up several quilts and pillows. Oh, yes, and once, after I had given him a bath, he got into the dirt around the rosebushes. I had just watered them. He came out of that experience with spiked hair! I was really disgusted with him....or it would have been hilarious.

So, happy birthday, Opie!!!!! I want to have you with me for a long, long time!!!!

More about the peach

2009-05-30T09:20:00.001-07:00

My little peach is down on the ground! I so loved looking at it as it hung on the tree. In fact, there were even two more little peaches. As I looked for the missing peach.....I saw a bird come and tear the flesh of the peach and eat it. Then, I found the one I had been watching, a little bruised and hidden in the grass.

John 12:24 says "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." Hmm..... trees heavy with fruit are beautiful but the fruit must be picked and consumed for it to be profitable. The little peach must stop just looking pretty and be torn, bruised, hidden, consumed for it to be profitable and to bring forth more fruit. The seed has to be exposed--not the prettiest part of the peach, by the way--and then buried or hidden away to bring forth more peaches.

Do we want to just "look pretty", on display? Or are we willing to be hurt, bruised, torn, broken, consumed, hidden away in order to see more fruit come forth?

Thank you, little peach! And thank you, God! I think I got the lesson this week!! I want my life to have profitable, living-giving fruit!!!

A Storm and A Peach

2009-05-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last night, we had a terrible storm.....thunder/lightning/WIND/rain/lots of rain and some hail. The wind made a big mess of our yard and the rain made it look like the aftermath of a hurricane. I had damage to the roof of my laundry room and the cover for the water heater vent flew off. That means that we had water in the laundry room and I had to turn the water heater off. The cats and Chiquita outside on the covered porch got wet.....water ran across the floor of the porch and some blew in through the screen windows. The street was flooded from curb to curb for a couple of hours.And we had no electricity for about 2 hours. Generally speaking, it was a mess.

About 3 a.m., I went out on the porch and could see a clear sky and lots of twinkling stars. How quickly the storm passes! How easily we can forget it fury!

And, this morning as I looked out at a messy yard, I saw a brave peach hanging on my little peach tree. A blessing of FRUIT after the STORM. May that be true of our spiritual lives as well. When the storms of life pass, may they leave behind precious fruit.

Aunt Myrtle

2009-05-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my Aunt Myrtle moved from this earth to her heavenly reward. She's my Dad's sister-in-law, the widow of his older brother. When Dad's Mother died, she married my uncle and became a second mother to the rest of the siblings. You cannot imagine a sweeter, more gentle and loving person. I have such fond memories of spending our week of summer vacation at their home in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. She made wonderful doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, waffles and cookies! When Dad had his arm amputated and then went into septic shock, I called Aunt Myrtle and without saying a word to me, she began praying for Dad. She was such special prayer warrior. I also greatly admire the grace with which she lived her last years while she was battling cancer.....like a true lady.

Although the immediate family will have a small service soon, the memorial service will be on June 28th (tentatively scheduled), as we are having the Roen reunion that weekend and many of us will be in Rice Lake, Wisconsin at that time.

I want to give some special recognition to my cousin Arvid. He faithfully and lovingly cared for first his aunt Violet and then his Mother so that they could remain in their home instead of going to a nursing facility. During the last months, he was with Aunt Myrtle basically 24/7. Such a wonderful gift he gave to his mother.

Aunt Myrtle leaves us a wonderful example and so many beautiful memories.

Note: The first picture shows left to right my brother David, Arvid, and my Dad.
The second picture shows my Dad and Mom with Aunt Myrtle in the middle.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-23T07:10:00.001-07:00

Wow! It just dawned on me that this is the first truly patriotic holiday that I have LIVED in the USA in 15 years. Since Mexico doesn't celebrate US holidays...obviously...I have not really had the feel of a patriotic day for a long time. It is great to reflect on our country and the wonderful freedom that God has granted us. Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

The Harvest

2009-05-21T11:22:00.001-07:00

As I was driving home last night after the baptismal service, I saw these fields of sorghum. They are just about ready for harvesting. It made me think of much work that goes into people's lives....teaching, answering questions, praying with them, helping them through difficulties and illnesses, etc......and then the precious harvest comes. I am praying for a great harvest of souls for the Lord at Nueva Vida....and all the churches where I have friends and family.

Baptisms! Praise the Lord!

2009-05-21T10:53:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, we had to cancell our baptisms because of the weather.....thunder, lightning and rain were in the forecast and tin doesn't mix well with those! But, those who were waiting to be baptized couldn't wait! We had a baptismal service last night, baptizing one man and two teenage girls! How wonderful it is to see them take this step of faith. And, I know God will bless them as they walk with Him. The exciting part is that Alberto is the owner of the land our church building is on and the eldest son of the founding members who have now passed on to Glory. And, the girls were the first Sunday School children who came when I started pastoring in Lasara 16 years ago. They would go to Mass at the Catholic Church and then walk across the field to Nueva Vida. I really believe that prayers, patience, and faithfulness are keys to the growth of our church as well as the spiritual growth of the members and visitors. They had prepared a picnic supper for us, the weather was wonderful and the fellowship was sweet!

Jessica's sons are in the picture checking out the baptistry where their Mom was baptized! And, after the service, the tank takes wheels and heads back to Raymondville!

Empty and Dry

2009-05-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

I really should have taken my camera.....but I didn't. I went to Reynosa on errands and went by my "old house." The grass has grown wild and then dried because of lack of rain---really because no one was there to water the lawn. My precious rosebushes are drying up, no flowers left, and only dry, brown leaves. No one cares anymore. It hurts to look at a house that used to be a home. The large porch was a special place where I entertained....when the dogs and I enjoyed the late evenings.....where porch furniture and other stuff gave signs of LIFE. The dogs' kennels are empty and the cement block storage shed that I built and turned into a home for my cats is quiet and dark. Before the yard and house were filled with life and light.....but now it is dark, dry, and empty.....even dying.

It made me wonder about a life once inhabited by the God of all creation, the God of Life and Light and Power......but now empty of God because someone chose to reject Him....a life now empty, without power, without life and without light. How it must hurt God´s heart to look at the emptiness and feel the rejection.

I just feel sad.

Six Red Roses

2009-05-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

My church surprised me with 6 beautiful red roses for my birthday and for being the mother (pastor) of the church. Six members each said a little bit about what I mean to them and then gave me the rose. It was so sweet....and so touching! I love my church family so much!!!

Mothers' Day and more!

2009-05-11T07:36:00.001-07:00

Mothers' Day was so special at Nueva Vida. We had our service outside, under the roof at the Salazars' ranch. It was a bit hard to get a correct count as we had people moving around and some arriving late. However, I wrote down all the ones I could remember and the total was 66!!! Out of that number, 18 were first time visitors, 19 were family members who came to celebrate Mothers' Day with us and 29 were the Nueva Vida family. We did have some of our people missing because of illness, being with their family on Mothers' Day, and work. That was a pretty exciting attendance!! We had praise and worship, special music for Mothers' Day, the message, and we gave little gifts to all the Mothers present and we prayed for them especially. Following the service, we had our Mothers Day dinner with no need to wait for seating and serving. We had grilled fajitas, sausage, bread, rice, beans, drinks and cake. Everyone seems to really enjoy it. Now, we will be praying that some of our visitors will be returning to be part of our church.

Awesome News!!!!

2009-04-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

This morning, Nueva Vida received a check for $3000 for our church addition!! It was a gift from a settlement for an injury on the job. That means that we are at least $12,000 toward our $19,000 bid for the building. With $19,000, we will have the building finished except for the platform, the carpet, wiring, and the air conditioning unit. So........we made a big leap in our savings today. Thank the Lord for that offering!!!!!!!!!!!! This is so exciting!!!!!!! We still have $7000 to work toward.....but we have gone over the halfway mark and that is so encouraging.

Lasara Ladies' Spring Fellowship

2009-04-18T10:51:00.001-07:00

We had an awesome ladies' spring fellowship last night. I counted 24 ladies and 3 babies in attendance. We invited two other churches and some friends....so we had lots of visitors. The music was terrific! The message that Sis Marcella brought was tremendous! Three points from Matthew 28: quickly, joy, and run. We need to "move" with the message. We have JOY only in the Presence of the Lord. And we need to take our calling and "run with it". The special prayer time was awesome and God did some very special things in the lives of several of the women....especially the YOUNG women!! The food and fellowship was great too! Sis Norma, our ladies' president, did an excellent job of opening the service and a wonderful job of organizing and serving! We are already looking forward to our next fellowship service!!

Easter Sunday at Nueva Vida in Lasara

2009-04-14T18:37:00.001-07:00

We had a glorious Easter service!! The children presented a short puppet play which was so well done. Then a group of five children sang a special Easter song which was accompanied on the keyboard by one of the Sunday School boys and our children's program director on the guitar. One of the girls read an Easter poem as well. We had awesome praise and worship, prayer, and my message was SUPER short. We really felt the Presence of God. And, the picnic lunch, the Easter egg hunt, the piñata, the cascarones, the soccer and volleyball games were great too. It is so good to celebrate with our church family.

Dad and Mom's 65th anniversary

2009-04-14T14:37:00.001-07:00

Today is Mom and Dad's 65th wedding anniversary! That is a lot of years to have been faithful to each other and to have been nuturing the four of us, me, David, Jon, and Jan--in order of our ages!--as well as the five grandchildren. Jon and Gwen have Allen who is married to Anne and also Allison. Rick and Jan have Ben, Eric, and Melissa. Mom and Dad have been a wonderful inspiration to all of us in many ways. They have overcome difficulties and challenges. They both have a great sense of humor. And, at almost 88 and 87, they are still going strong....involved at church, taking care of their own home and lawn, and Dad even does intarsia. It is so special to wish them a great anniversary and more to come!

The Yellow Rose of Texas

2009-03-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the first rose on my newly planted rosebushes here in Raymondville. I hope that I will someday have as many roses as I had in Reynosa.....but of course, that will take time. There are two more buds....so there is hope.

Happy 60th Birthday, David!!!

2009-03-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

Today is my brother David's 60th birthday!! He is celebrating big time. From the reports I have gotten on the cell phone, he is receiving lots and lots of birthday cards. He received a phone call from a missionary friend in AFRICA!!! Today the family is having a special breakfast at Stockholm Inn, a favorite restaurant and on Monday he is going out to have ice cream with Melissa, our niece! And I hear that there are some presents for him too!!!! What a great day!!

It is fitting that we celebrate David!!! He is an incredible guy! Born with cerebral palsy which caused some physical and learning problems, he has accomplished so much. Let's see! He was a faithful newspaper delivery boy when he was young. For over 30 years he served as the head usher at his church, setting up the church for services, handing out bulletins, greeting people, taking up the offering, and generally cleaning up after the services. David faithfully writes letters...now using his computer and Microsoft Word...to many of his friends, including missionaries and ministers! David has loaned money to many of us in the family, bailing us out in tight moments! He makes great popcorn to share while watching his favorite videos. And, he loves to treat family and friends to meals at Culver's, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Lino's, Stockholm Inn, Domino's Pizza, etc!! He helps Mom and Dad by doing the dishes, taking care of the lawn, getting the garbage cans out to the street, vaccuuming and cleaning the house, and on and on. He goes with Dad on errands and gives a helping hand! As for directions.....if you want to go somewhere David has been, he can get you there!!! He always remembers the way! David's prayers are fervent and touching...and he does pray for everyone's needs.

The list could go on and on and on!!! The most public recognition David received came at the Covenant Church annual meeting in June of 2004 (I think it was!) when he was honored with an award (along with Mom and Dad) for outstanding Layman of the Year, the T. W. Anderson Award. He even spoke to the assembly of more than a 1000 people! It was truly a great honor.

So, my blog is dedicated to David today.....a really awesome brother! Happy birthday and many more more!!!!

Thanksgiving

2009-03-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

My LIST of thanksgiving!

1--It did not rain nor was it COLD while I was packing or unpacking the van.

2--I did not have any trouble getting any of my possessions across the international border.

3--I was able to bring all four cats, Chiquita, and Opie with me with no problems.

4--The movers were on time (a true miracle for Mexicans!) and did a good job with my furniture.

6--I was able to get all the utilities, internet, and the landline phone connected with no LARGE deposits or fees.

7--Everyone...the landlords from Reynosa, the landlord in Raymondville, the church family.....were so patient with me while I did all the moving.

8--I received a few gifts of money and a couple of loans which have helped me get through this time of excessive bills.

9--God is really good to me!!!

10--I have new opportunities and there will be new doors opening as I now live in Texas again.

How Cute!

2009-02-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

My teenage neighbor did this collage because she is already missing Opie. She calls him Señor Morales since his father's name is Carolino Morales. I think it is a cute collage.

Leaving Reynosa with REAL FIREWORKS!!!

2009-02-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

Today was my day to finish up bringing things from Reynosa over to Raymondville and to clean the Reynosa house. Well, I started out fine and got to the international bridge.....and found it surrounded by police cars, flashing lights, and police redirecting traffic away from the bridge. The police said that a group was having a demonstration in protest of high diesel prices and a high military profile. I drove to McAllen to the post office to get all my junk mail and then back to the bridge. By 11 a.m. it was open and I crossed. However, when I arrived on the Mexican side, there was a very, VERY high military presence. That happens, so I went on to my house, swept two bedrooms, put a folding table and a chainlink fence gate into my van......and my neighbor Lupita came out to tell me that there were shootings in Reynosa. Well, by then, the traffic was at a standstill, the city of Reynosa was closed off by the military, soldiers with rifles and face masks were ALL OVER. Several schools were in danger....and although I do not know for sure, it sounds as if a couple of students were killed. The soldiers were escorting kids out of the schools. The federal police were trying to arrest a new leader of the Gulf Drug Cartel, according to what I have heard. And, I heard that at least 6 people died. By 2:30 p.m., the traffic started to flow again and I decided that instead of staying to work in Reynosa, I should come back home. I had to go through three military check points to get to the Mexican border...and then all was quiet on the US side. I am safe and that is great. However, I didn't get any cleaning done and will have to go back on Thursday to clean and Saturday to turn in the keys. Pray that the bridge is not shut down again and that there is no violence. What an explosive way to end my years of living in Reynosa. REAL FIREWORKS!!!

PTL!

2009-02-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

With much relief, I can say that the moving van with my furniture made it across the Mexican border into Texas today! Yes, I still have a lot of cleaning to do at the Reynosa house and there are things to finish up. Yes, the house in Raymondville is full of boxes and bags and even stacked furniture. But this was a big step and I am so thankful.

Just Some Trivia

2009-01-31T16:44:00.000-08:00

While sitting in the van, waiting to cross from Mexico into the US, I was bored. So, I engaged in some trivial pursuit. I did a rough estimate and came up with the possible number of round trips I have made from Mexico into Texas and from Texas back into Mexico. In almost 14 years, that comes to about 3,550 tríps. And each round trip costs about $5.00 in tolls, depending on the current value of the dollar. So, that would mean that I have spent around $17,700 in tolls. And If I spent an average of 30 minutes of wait time on the bridge for each trip, that would mean about 106,080 minutes or 1,708 hours WAITING to cross the bridge. Now, I am sure that all my readers will find this information USEFUL!!!

Getting closer.......

2009-01-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

This week is the LAST FULL WEEK that I will be living in Reynosa. Whew! Tomorrow, the movers come to give an appraisal of the stuff that is going in the moving van on Wednesday, February 4th. Then, I have to hurry up and get the last things that I am taking in my van packed up and transported. I need to clean the big pieces of furniture that will go in the van. I have two cats left to take to the vet for their shots and international passports!! It will be a big week of finishing as much as possible before the moving van comes. Then after the big pieces of furniture are moved, I still have to clean the house, take the cats and Chiquita over....and get the keys turned over to the owner. Hopefully, I will be all in one place by Tuesday, Feb. 10th. And, so we are getting closer to finishing up on all these trips back and forth.

Just Keep Moving!!!!!

2009-01-17T15:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems that my schedule is dominated by pack, load the van, unload the van and go back for more. In between, I am trying to keep up with my church activities and the rest of life! Now, I have a new washer, dryer, and stove--in place and working in my new house. About 50% of what I can move myself is now in Raymondville. I am aiming for February 4th as the day for the movers to take the big pieces of furniture. I am tired....I have lots of sore muscles from lifting furniture that is really too heavy for me to do by myself....but Opie is my only faithful helper and all he can do is cheerlead!!!....or trip me or push me out of bed onto the floor (which he did last week and my collection of bruises prove it!). I am thankful for so many, many blessings.......but I must admit that it is getting pretty stressful and I will be so happy to be ALL in one place. So, each day, I am just telling myself to keep moving and one day soon we will celebrate!!!!

In the Middle of the Mess

2008-12-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Ten days before Christmas and yes, I have boxes all over the place.....but alas! they are not gift boxes nor are they wrapped. They are packed boxes or boxes waiting to be packed. I have made 11 trips to Raymondville with an assortment of stuff. And, I cannot really tell the difference....except for the mess....in my old house! Please note the picture of my temporary bed!!! Last week, I started checking about phone service and I found out that I don't have a lot of choices for internet. I contacted Sprint, my cell phone carrier, and discovered that I can use a "card" or whatever it is called and get internet service for my desktop. And, the little connection piece costs $300 + tax...however, it was a promotion until Friday of last week. It was free with a two year contract. So, I got it. Now, I am getting ready to take my computer apart and put it in the van. I will take it to Raymondville tomorrow and try to get it set up and working! I am so thankful that I called when I did....now during the 30 day trial period, I hope that it works and I will have good internet service and just use my cell phone, no landline, at least for now. Then also I contacted the moving company about the moving date. It cannot be scheduled until after January 5th due to heavy traffic on the international bridge and the company's vacation! And, the price for a medium sized U Haul type trailer is now up to $750. Oh, dear...I hope it doesn't keep going up in January. Well, it is back to packing and getting my computer ready for the trip to Raymondville. In about 1 month, I should be contracting the movers. But will this mess ever go away?.......

Moving On Again!

2008-12-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

Well, almost all the blinds are up at the new house. Opie and I spent the night in Raymondville on Friday night after our Ladies' Christmas Celebration in Lasara. How nice it was NOT to have a long, dark drive to Reynosa. We slept on an inflatable mattress....not the best, but we did sleep. On Saturday, we went back to Reynosa and got the mirror for my chest of drawers. It would be hard to bring with other things. And, we slept in Raymondville for the second night. It was unbelievable to take only 15 minutes to get to church on Sunday morning. In the afternoon, my uncle helped me take the middle seat out of my van so I have more room for furniture. So, this will be another week of moving stuff to Raymondville!!! And, there are not many days before Christmas and NOT NEARLY ENOUGH days before I should have all my things in the new house. Thus begins another week of moving!!!!

Picking Up Speed.....as I Move!!!

2008-12-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

On Monday, I went to make my last rent payment for the house in Reynosa. My deposit will cover the rent for all of January and I can use whatever time I need in February to finish up the cleaning and moving the cats and dogs in exchange for a window unit a/c and my gas stove. I am satisfied with our arrangement. Yesterday, my uncle and aunt who winter in So. Texas helped me get all the windows in my new house measured. Then we had a great lunch of Mexican food! Finally we went to Wal Mart and bought blinds for all the windows. Bro Balde from my church is scheduled to come and put up all the blinds tomorrow. I will be taking the first huge load to the new house tomorrow. Today, I will be packing....packing.....packing. So I am picking up speed as I move!!!!!