Monday, September 30, 2013

Appointments

O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth! 
Psalm 8:9

Of all the names in this big world, none can equal His name, 
Some are given this name at birth but they are not the same.
The name Jesus is the sweetest, and He is the only One,
He is our Lord and Savior and God's only begotten Son. (RP)

Doctor and other appointments, fill in our daily reminder this week.  We will report on them as they occur.  We awakened to rain and wind and of course cooler weather.  Yesterday for the first time we used the furnace.  We attended an open house yesterday of special friends and it was nice to see their place and fellowship with those who gathered for the occasion. We are excited about the book and trust in a few weeks to receive our first trial copy.  Thanks for praying.  

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Anticipation

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10

There is power in the name of the Lord, like a very strong tower,
A place where one can take refuge from someone trying to devour.
God's children find safety in Him as they run for help to this place,
And the consolation He gives is a reminder of His love and grace(RP)

We anticipate with eagerness the arrival of our published book.  It will still take a few weeks. We had a talk with one of the men from the press yesterday, explaining some of the procedures.  It is encouraging all the ways the publisher helps us get the word out about the book.  We appreciate each of you who has prayed about this.  We are off to church this morning in a very wet winter day. Thanks for praying.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Congratulations

Matthew 6:31
Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

Jesus wants us to trust Him, and not worry about things,
Lean on Him and don't worry what tomorrow brings.
Seek Him first in all you do and other things will fall in place,
And soon you'll understand that the worries he will erase.(RP)

Yesterday we received word from Xulon Press congratulating us because our book manuscript was being uploaded to the press. In a few weeks we can expect our free copies of the book.  It is exciting to see the progress after the lengthy time of editing.  Please pray we will know how to market the book.  It is all new territory for us, so we need wisdom.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Friday, September 27, 2013

Good news

And let us not grow weary while 
doing good, for in due season we 
shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9

In doing good we tend to tire but 
the payoff's on the way
And discouraged we must not 
become as we walk the Lord's 
highway.(RP)

Yesterday afternoon we received good news from Xulon Press.  Our manuscript after being corrected this last time, will be uploaded to the press for publication.  This means we will receive our free books in about 2-3 weeks.  So it is getting closer.  We have no clue how we are going to market the book.  We need much wisdom for that.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

More on the book

Ephesians 6:11 
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Here's the only armor to stand against the devil today,
God gives us this freely so why not use it, without delay. 
The equipment is complete, with everything you need,
Try each piece, and in using it, you will succeed.(RP)

We were pleased yesterday when Xulon Press sent us the revised and corrected text of our book.  We we were asked to once again red it and submit any mistakes found or corrections desired.  Our kind editor did this and we submitted it.  Now we wait for the next phase of publishing.   My brother Harold left yesterday for Anchorage, having obtained the information needed on the projects he is working on here.  I am thinking in a few weeks he will return to complete them.  Winter is definitely on the way.  A space heater here in the office feels good and we have the heat on in the family room also.  Thanks for our prayers. 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

What did you say?

Psalm 54:2 
Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth.


A simple prayer to God is this but filled with lessons great,
Just to know God listens to me, is something we can't overrate.
We thank Him because He not only hears but does so much more,
He pays attention to my words and this blessing I must not ignore.(RP)

The audiologist yesterday told me that indeed I could benefit from a hearing device.  So I will join the ranks of millions and start using them next week.  Margie has told me repeatedly I need help.  I am glad for professionals who can determine the kind and to what extent one has a hearing loss. I learned that hearing devices come in all sizes, shapes, and most importantly, prices.  My brother was here for two days and returns today to Anchorage.  It was nice having him here.  Thanks for praying.  

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Check up

Your words were found, and I ate them; And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name ;O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16

When you belong to the Lord, the Word touches you!
The Word worked in the prophet and made him new.
The joy and rejoicing of his heart was real,
And his love for the Lord he could not conceal.(RP)

I am going to have my hearing checked to see if I need help.  At times I feel I need it, and at others, no.  So a professional touch will be appreciated.  We'll let you know later how things go.  Yesterday we had the privilege of having my brother Harold here in the early part of the evening.  He is on assignment again for some technical heavy-duty electrical issues at a local facility.  He is not certain how long this part of this trip will occupy.  Margie prepared supper for him.  I helped a little and we had a nice time with him.  Thanks so much for your prayers.  

Monday, September 23, 2013

Brother

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

Jesus told us we are the light of the world, so let that light shine today,
Portray Christ to all you meet today in the things you do and say.
When the world sees how we live for Him, and faithfully follow His will,
It is likely they will glorify Him, and their hearts with His love will fill.(RP)

My brother Harold arrived last night from Anchorage to help a local utility company with some high-tech electrical issues.  He doesn't know ow long he will be here but we are glad to have him around.  It is so amazing that recently he spent 3 months doing this here.  Now he is back.  Margie has a doctor with the foot specialist this morning and she wants to get a few things to prepare for Harold's visit with us this afternoon and evening.   Thanks so much for your prayers.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Missions

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

There is a debt that everyone owes, God tells us about it here,
For those who listen to His command, they get the message clear.
The debt we owe is love itself, and we express it to each one,
When this is done we fulfill the law and honor God's dear Son. (RP)

We look forward to church today where we will hear missionaries again in this month-long Missions Conference.  Last night we attended an outside wedding by Lake Whatcom.  It was hot and the sun was intense. Before the service ended, the sun was more subdued and it was comfortable.  Margie used the walker to make itd across the lengthy lawn to the location of the wedding.  Because of the length of this walk, we didn't stay for the reception. Thanks for your faithful prayers.  We appreciate it. 
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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Wedding

Psalm 92:4 
For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

God's handiwork abounds no matter where we look,
We see it everywhere and read about it in His Book.
His work makes me glad because He's in charge,
And His creations are proof He knows how to discharge.
I glory in His work each time I see what He can do,
I praise Him daily for saving grace and I hope you do too.(RP)

Our friend Ryan Lancaster will be married today to Rebecca.  We wish them God's best in their new life together. Yesterday I finally cleaned up all the residual mess after the garage sale.  Now the car is back in the garage where it belongs.  We had a good attendance at the Bible study yesterday as we began with the book of Philippians.  Class participation is encouraging.  We even had a new person attend. We look forward to the Missions Conference in our church tomorrow again.  Thank you for praying for us.  We appreciate it. 

Friday, September 20, 2013

Senior Center

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
I Peter 2:9

What a special privilege we have in this verse for those who are called by His name,Just imagining God's thoughts of us now, makes us want to go out and acclaim,
We are called to be witnesses of His great name to all who will hear our voice,
And those who respond are the winners indeed and it certainly makes us rejoice. 
God called us from darkness to his glorious light,
And for all who receive Him their future is bright.(RP)

We look forward each Friday to going to the Senior Center to teach a Bible class.  We finished the book of Hebrews last week and start today with Philippians.  We expect a good attendance and are anxious to get started in this new book.  My brother called from Alaska last night and it is very probable he will be arriving Sunday night to do some more electrical projects here locally.  We look forward to his coming.  Thanks for praying.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Chilly

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5

Some think there are many roads to God, but they are sadly wrong,
Jesus is the way to God, and men get there only if they to Jesus belong.
He is the Mediator between God and men, so trust Him now to get in,
And if you do He will save your soul, and forgive you of every sin.(RP)

Yesterday and today we turned on the heater in the family room.  It was chilly.  Yes, winter is on its way.  Today we have a pretty full schedule.  Yesterday I sent off the main correction form to the publisher.  It is amazing how many errors we find no matter how many times it is read.  But we know it is really getting cleaned up now and we hope soon will be on its way to press.  Thanks for your prayers. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Getting close

Deuteronomy 6:5 
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Doing things half-way is so common today, but God expects more from us,
Love Him with total devotion, my friend and for you this will be a great plus.
With heart set on Him as your Lord, and your soul consumed with Him,
Your strength and all you have, will be to Him a beautiful hymn.(RP)

Lord willing, today we will send the correction form to the publisher that have been discovered in the last read-through of the book manuscript. After they make those corrections, the book will go to press.  It is all very new ground for us.  Please pray that we will be able to get the word out about it so we may recover some of the investment made in its production.  Also pray for the readers of the book.  Each story has a spiritual lesson we pray will benefit the reader.  Thanks so much for praying.  Yesterday Margie had her CPAP machine examined and received some helpful information to help her maintain the machine.  We appreciate your prayers,


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Preparation

Matthew 5:44 
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

God clearly teaches His children, how to live here in our place,
We love our enemies and always show them God's grace.
Be kind to those who curse you, showing goodness to those who hate,
Keep on praying for them, and you'll receive His favor which is great.(RP)

Today we did a lot of things, and then I spent time doing more preparation for the next Bible class.  Friday we start a new series on the book of Philippians. In the morning Margie baked cookies and I made stuffed peppers. Our car goes into the shop today.  We will use a courtesy car from the repair shop.  Thanks so much for your prayers. 

Monday, September 16, 2013

Chill in the air

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Th 5:11

The Christian life is practical as Paul so clearly states,
To encourage one another, in a way, is all it takes.
We build up others as we go along this earthly road,
And what a joy it is to help and carry another's load.
Most Christians do this, we believe, in very special ways,
As loving deeds and kindly words are beautiful displays.(RP)

There's a chill in the air.  Our LONG summer is over and now we face the next season.  We are thankful for our home and the ability thus far to keep it warm, and carry on the necessary activities.  We enjoyed a wonderful morning at our church yesterday.  Missionaries spoke, and the message was inspirational.  Today we sort of get back to a normal schedule.  Our book editor is going through the last read-through of the book.  It is a task that takes diligence and a quick eye to detect mistakes.  She has both.  Please pray for her as she finalizes this momentous project for us.  Thanks for praying. 

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Alone

Then Moses said to God, Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me, What is His name? what shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And He said, Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. 
Exodus 3:13-14

The names of God are important to us and reveal to us very much,
In fact His names help us all through life and bring us the Master's touch.
For each of our needs, He has a name that helps, displaying His loving care, 
If you doubt God's help don't forget his I Am because it's always there,
When we are aware of the I AM who speaks, there's nothing for us to fear,
He supplies what we need with His special name and we know he is always near(RP)

Through Margie's long illness, I have not left her alone very much. Maybe a trip to Ferndale for a few minutes at the grocery store  But she wanted to stay home yesterday while I went to Rawlie's to paint his house.  We talked a lot about it and made precautions in case she needed help.  A dear friend took her to the chiropractor yesterday.  We talked on the phone several times.  I was glad I got home about 6:30 last night.  We made it on Interstate 5 just a half-hour before the bridge closed over the Skagit river.  It is still closed and will be until 11 this morning.  Margie did well while I was gone, thankfully.  Rawlie and I basically finished his house.  He will do some trimming and it will be done.  Thanks for praying.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Painting

Matthew 11:28 
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The sweet call comes from Jesus, for the weary ones today,
Come to Him for rest and salvation, do it now without delay. 
He gives rest beyond all measure to those who truly seek,
Come to Him with every problem, every day of every week.
You will rest in our dear Savior, free from sin and all your past,
And forever you will thank Him because what you have will surely last.(RP)

I will be doing some more painting today.  I am glad I am still able to do it.  Rawlie appreciates the help and hopefully we will finish today.  The days are getting cooler and we can tell winter is around the corner.  Neither of us had a real good night last night.  I wonder what's going on?  Thanks for your faithful prayers.  Pray for Laurel as she goes through the book manuscript with a fine-tooth comb approach of finding any errors that need correcting.  

Friday, September 13, 2013

Bible Study

If I regard iniquity in my heart,The Lord will not hear.
Psa. 66:18

Praying to God with unconfessed sin, is a serious thing indeed,
For the truth of the matter is this dear one, if you do you will not succeed.(RP)

Today is the second week of our Bible study.  We finish the book of Hebrews today.  Next week we start Philippians.  The class seems excited about that.  Our editor found a flaw in the Brazil map in our book so I corrected that and submitted it to the publisher, with the hopes they won't charge a lot for this change.  The last read-through is being done now which will take some time. After that we think it will be ready for the printing press.  We pray that will be so.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

More of the same

Ephesians 4:30-31
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

What a mouthful this verse gives us today about how we should run our lives,
There's no doubt the counsel is good and he who obeys survives.
The Spirit is grieved when we sin, you know, so be careful what you say,
Your life will be blessed and God's peace will be yours when this verse you earnestly obey. (RP)

It is amazing all the details connected to publishing.  Yesterday we finished our read-through of the manuscript.  Then we recorded the errors found.  These will have to be written into a special form by the publisher so the technicians can make the corrections.  It all adds up to many-readings, a lot of time and energy.  We are grateful for the help of Laurel Hicks who has consented to organize all this and prepare it for the publisher. Margie was pretty tired by the time the day was over.  Today is hair day plus prayer meeting.  Thanks so much for your prayers.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Reading

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.. 
Matthew 11:28 

Mankind is crushed with burdens to heavy for him to bear,
But Jesus is calling to them, Come to me, I care.
Oh that we'd all roll our burdens on Him today,
And find rest for our soul as we walk along the way.
(RP)

Margie and I spent much time yesterday reading through the book manuscript sent us by Xulon Press.  This is the final reading.  We divided the book and I started at page 240, she at the beginning. When we compared notes last night, she has 92 more pages to read, and I have exactly the same number to complete the book. What an interesting coincidence. We also received the cover design and made some changes to that and are awaiting a return from them for us to approve the changes. Things are moving along quite well.  We have to submit a special form with any last minute changes desired.  Our friend Laurel Hicks is helping on this project, which we appreciate so much.  Thanks, dear friends, for praying.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Book progress

Ephesians 2:1-3 
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins...

The day God gave me spiritual life was the greatest of them all,
And I'm rejoicing in this fact and this wonderful verse by Paul.
I was dead in trespasses and in sin, and He really rescued me,
When I put my trust in Him, from my sins He set me free.(RP)

Yesterday morning we were delightfully surprised when Xulon Press send us the formatted provisional phase of our book deal with them.  Now we go through it again, finding any irregularities, errors, or things we would like to change.  There is a special process to do these things and are given explicit instructions how to do it.  We are impressed with their thoroughness.  Our dear friend Laurel Hicks has graciously accepted our request to help with this.  She has a gift for seeing things that need change, etc.   So please pray as we all read through the book again.  No, we do not get tired reading it many times.  We rejoice that that the Lord has allowed us to put in writing some of the many experiences we were privileged to have while serving in Brazil.  Please continue your prayers.  Margie's retina specialist yesterday said her eyes were better and he is still working on getting rid of the clot in one eye.  She received another injuection in her right eye.  Thanks so much for praying.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Easing up

Matthew 19:14 
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
The world looks at children much differently, than the way God really sees them, 
God knows their hearts and how they think, each one to Him is a precious gem.
Jesus wanted the children to come to Him, and He instructed the disciples so,
For of such is the kingdom of heaven, you see, and this He wants us to know.(RP)

Maybe things will ease some, now that several items on our to-do list are checked off.  Rawlie and Gina dropped by for a short visit yesterday afternoon.  It was nice to see them, even though we had just been there at their place painting on Saturday.  Hopefully we can help Rawlie finishing the painting this week. We are waiting for the book cover design to be drawn before the book format is returned to us for a final review.  Please pray about this and also for Margie. Today the retina specialist will evaluate her present condition.  We pray it has improved. Thanks so much for praying. 

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Painting

2 Corinthians 5:10 
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

A solemn word from the Lord today about Christians and the judgment seat,
At this appointed place, someday every believer in Christ will meet.
Our lives will pass in review that day, before Jesus the Judge of the earth,
And everything we've done will be examined as to its worth.
So much will be burned as rubbish, because it was not done for the Lord,
But for everything done to honor Him, He has promised us reward.(RP)

Yesterday we drove to Stanwood, where I helped Rawlie paint his house.  We also went Labor Day. Rawlie appreciates our help and we enjoy doing it.  We returned home tired but rejoicing we could be a help to our son. Today we look forward to church.  It is the start of the missions conference.  Thanks for your prayers,

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Visit

1 Peter 3:8 
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.

A call to believers comes to us here with a message so powerfully true,
A message of tender,compassionate love, a commitment we all should renew.
With courtesy let's treat one another, just exactly as brothers should act,
And doing so will bring honor to Jesus and in turn the whole world impact.(RP)

Yesterday we had lunch with Don Mogford who is presently the representative for Shepherds in this area of the States.  It was a pleasure visiting with him while enjoying a delicious lunch.  In the evening we attended a wedding in our church.  So with the Bible class in the morning, that went well, thank the Lord, we had a full day.  We will tell you about today's activities in tomorrow's blog.  Thanks for praying. 

Friday, September 6, 2013

Senior Center Bible class

 Ps 25:5 
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.

God knows what's best for each of us, He wants us to obey,
And when we do, He does great things, and leads us day by day. 
We want His truth to guide us right, and teach us what we should do,
He is the God of our salvation, and His will we want to pursue. (RP)

We are pleased to start back up today at the Senior Center. We trust a goodly number come for the Bible class.  Yesterday was a full day for Margie, first at the beauty shop and both of us at afternoon prayer meeting.  Margie did some food preparations also for this weekend.  It is foggy, raining and much cooler this morning.  I guess winter is on its way.  Thanks you for your faithful prayer support.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

More about the book

 John 8:10-12  
When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you? She said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said to her, Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.

Accusations come often and many, in this world of sin and woe,
Jesus ministered to a woman in trouble; He was kind, and loved her so.
He forgave her sin and admonished her, to go and sin no more,
New life he bestowed to her soul, and His love she could not ignore.(RP)

We were surprised when the publisher advised us that the cover design graphics were not up to their standards for printing.  So I directed their graphics department to take the idea of the picture and create one from it.  So now we will see what they come up with.  They will send it to us for our review before publishing.  Margie had a very busy day making bread and butter pickles.  She also had her last physical therapy session in the morning at Lynden. Thanks for your prayers,

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

More book work

Ps 145:18 
The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

Near to You we want to be as we walk this earthly path,
Please help  us obey Your  commands and readily give You all,
Humbly we go in submission each day and learn to call upon You
 Your grace sufficient will abound to us and we’ll have blessing both large and small.

When we returned home last night, word from the publisher advised us that the cover design was needing more attention. We thought it was all taken care of but we are still in the learning process.  We hope to hear from them today after I sent a couple of emails to two of the persons in charge of our project.  Please pray all will go well and we will get it published as soon as possible. We had a good day yesterday and were treated to a delicious meal by our friend Armond Daws.  We also attended the missionary meeting in the afternoon.  Helen Steele was there.  She leaves today for Athens.  Thanks for praying.




Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Yesterday

1 John 1:6 
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

To say one thing and do another, is often the way people act, 
God's Word has plenty to say about this very important fact.
Living this way is a lie, and darkness results for this one.
Confess your sin, and have fellowship with Jesus, God's Son .(RP)

From a Canoe to a Chevy: Brazil: Memories and Ministries (by Ralph Poulson)
(Being published by Xulon Press)

Yesterday we went to Stanwood, to our son's house and helped him paint his house.  We were able to get quite a bit done.  He did the high stuff and I took the lower.  Maybe two more trips will get the job done.  We are so glad I am able to paint.  I painted two sides and a part of the front of the house (all lower level stuff).  Rawlie was working on the scaffolding.  Margie played games with our granddaughter and her friend, visited with Gina, and also cleaned up the kitchen after lunch.  Our grandson prepared lunch, and always does a great job. We were back home around 6:30 last night.  Thanks dear friends, for praying. 

Monday, September 2, 2013

What now?

John 8:29 
And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.

The Father sent the Son, and was with Him all the way,
He never left Him lonely for He was with Him every day.
He did what we cannot do, and that is to please Him in every way.
We may not achieve this goal, but at least the right attitude display(RP)

Now we must figure out what to do with all the items left over from the garage sale.  We have been given some suggestions and will decide soon.  Yesterday we made it to Sunday School but Margie got so tired she said she had to go home.  So we did and back to bed for a nap before lunch.  I know the garage sale was very tiring especially because we did it all ourselves.  We will tell you tomorrow what our plans are for today.   Thanks so much for praying. 

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Now history

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, 
you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.John 15:7

This is a marvelous provision for God's own, If we seriously do what it tells,
So faithfully follow the Word, and this plan all others excels. (RP)

The garage sale is now history.  There is still much in our garage. One would hardly know there had been a sale.  But many things are gone even though it doesn't look like it. We are glad it's over.  Now we get on to other things.  We enjoyed a nice time at our Sunday School class salad supper last night.  We were both tired from the two-day sale, but enjoyed the food and fellowship very much. We appreciate your prayer for that and will have more news another day about what is next on our calendar.  Thanks for praying.