Hymns of Zion #201

"...I want my friends to pray for me, to hold me up on wings of faith, that I may walk the narrow way, kept by our Father's glorious grace...I need the prayers of those I love." Hymns of Zion #201

Friday, December 8, 2017

Moments to be Thankful 

Sometimes they are the best of friends and sometimes not...😃 just like any boys...

The fun of having a hood.

Zoom peeling some carrots for Saturday supper for the work team.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers for our thanksgiving week. Throughout the week I kept reminding myself that the moments would be enough and God would be enough. And they were! 

On the Monday of that week (the 20th), Mexico celebrated Revolution Day and there was a parade in town. I needed to buy pepperoni for lunch for the team. So I drove to town, parked and walked toward the grocery store. When I reached the street where the parade was marching, I was surprised and excited to see Whiz right in front of me with his soccer team! That was the one thing I had been disappointed about missing. I got to wave to him and then continue on to the store. What a special moment to remember God cares. Every unspoken wish is known to Him!

After I bought the pepperoni, I realized I was trapped...inside the parade. 😒 They were marching around me. I worried that the moments would not be enough, that I wouldn’t get back in time, that no one would know where I was. I drove around looking for an exit, but then since I couldn’t do anything about it, I went and sat at the Café. Maybe God needed me to stop. When traffic started moving, I got out of the first exit and made it back to CVE just in time to prep lunch. The moments were enough! 

God is never late, but sometimes He needs to remind me that my planning, working ahead, getting done early, so that I can pat myself on the back and say, “Well Done!” ...that’s just not the point or the way to live. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 

Let’s be ready for the adventure...the story He wants to write in our lives!

I’m thankful for all the wonderful cooks and helpers who came and worked to provide us a Thanksgiving dinner. On Thursday night we served about 300 to 350 guests including team members and CVE. The others invited were community members who support CVE in various ways and services.

Mashed potato production 

Cake frosting corner

Zoom’s turn to give Speedie a ride. Love these boys!

Marce arrived back from Illinois and received a dramatic welcome from...a mouse. 🐭 Since I am head of the mouse removal department, I was commissioned to set traps. Three mice down, ? to go...😃

Marce brought Wooly Willy boards back for the boys. After she arrived we decorated for Christmas...

“The Shepherd on the Search” was placed on the piano and the shepherd has since been journeying through our house on the way to the manger. Zoom loves finding the new hiding spot each morning.

This policeman oversaw affairs for the decorating project. He was also helpful setting up the nativity...

And placing the star on top of the tree.

I couldn’t find my picture frame ornament, but I did find this one tucked away in a tote while I was searching. 

I decided to train another helper for Speedie’s riding sessions. And the plan is for these two amazing cowgirls to take him riding while I am on vacation. I’m thankful to see the teenagers here stepping up, filling roles, growing in their interests, and maturing into men and women. I pray that they will find Jesus. He is the answer to all their needs.

I am SO thankful that this past Saturday, we were able to take Whiz and Tag on an outing to the park and to eat hotdogs. We made it kind of a Christmas celebration! It has been quite a journey and continues to be, learning to let go and yet hold on, to hope, to love, to trust them to God and  pray that He would lead them and their family to the truth. We are so blessed to have a good relationship with their father! Today was Tag’s 5th birthday. I called and wished him a happy one. That means so much!

Lord willing, tomorrow I fly to Illinois. Thank You Jesus for the blessing of travel. And we’ll just see what adventure it brings...