Nueva Vida Christmas Service and Dinner

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

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

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

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

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

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......

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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!)

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

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!!

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!!!!

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?

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?

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!

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

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!

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.......

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

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

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

Happy Birthday, Opie Morales!

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

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

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

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

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

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.