Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year's Eve

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, 
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1

Many saints have gone on to glory, they are enjoying their new home up there,
Their life in Heaven is unmatched, and their circumstances beyond compare.
Consider them closely today, these believers that we've known before,
May their example encourage us much, and let us never their lessons ignore.
So much of this life slows us down, the sin and snares of each day,
But we are counseled to run patiently this race, and never give room for delay.(RP)

The last day of the year.  I am sure you agree that it went so quickly. Yesterday we got our shopping done but it was a little more for Margie than we wanted.  Next time we will have to do less, so she won't get so tired.  Today we are taking it easy.  Tonight will probably be noisy but our fans on high speed will dull that sound a little.  We trust you all have a delightful day, and thanks so much for praying for us. 


Monday, December 30, 2013

Shopping

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged

Concern for others is an admirable thing; we all should be that way,
But judging others is beyond our rights, and we should put that away.
When judging others we put them down, making us better than them,
And this God does not like, so this action He will condemn.(RP)

We pretty well depleted our staple items in the kitchen during the Christmas season. We will go today and replenish our cupboards, Lord willing, being ready for the New Year. We had a quiet day yesterday after church and I even had opportunity in the afternoon to quietly write two more chapters in the book.  Thanks for your prayer support which is much appreciated. 

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Worship

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things! 
Romans 10:15

Preaching the gospel is God's command to us; this we must obey,
No options are given when He speaks these words; we must not delay.
Some travel far this message to give; our part is to send them out,
Support them we must in this mission so great; about this there is no doubt.
God looks at the feet of those who serve, and says how beautiful they are,
His word for those who preach peace. is the best of anything else so far.(RP)

We look forward to the worship hour today.  A layperson will bring the message today. There is no Sunday School today. Our pastor is on vacation.  We will doubtless have a leisurely day and we look forward to it.  I am working ahead on the Revelation class studies.  I have 4 weeks of work sheets finished.  It is good to be ahead.  Thanks for praying.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Decorations down

1 Thessalonians 1:2  
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers...

Prayer is a vital part of our lives, we need this every day, 
We talk to the Lord about everything, as we go along the way. 
He takes pleasure in our prayers, as we worship Him right now,
We praise and thank Him always, and at His feet gladly bow.
People play an important role in our goings-on each day,
Tell them you remember them as you talk to God and pray.(RP)

Today we take down the Christmas decorations.  It seems that all the Christmas excitement passes so quickly. Some leave decorations up all year.  We are amazed when we see the lights on houses ALL YEAR.   I will remove the Christmas ornaments, take down the lights and pack the tree away for another year. We are grateful for this season and that the Lord has allowed us to be with family one more time for the Christmas brunch which we all enjoy.  The weather is fairly mild, not like many places with extreme cold.  Thanks friends, for your prayer support. 

Friday, December 27, 2013

Back on schedule

I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. 
Psa 119:162 

God's Word is very precious; in its pages we find wealth,
All its teachings give instruction and all for spiritual health.
When we open the sacred Pages, how our hearts are filled with praise,
As we see amazing treasures, all designed to encourage and amaze.(RP)

Thankfully we are back on schedule today with the Bible class.  Last week we were snowed out and it was cancelled.  We finish the book of Philippians next Friday then start Revelation.  That will be blessing and a challenge.  We look forward to it.  Yesterday we attended the memorial service for a friend and Margie had her hair done in the morning.  The rest of the day was spent trying to get the legal aspects taken care of for my 10 year check-up on my double knee replacement surgery.  Hopefully today I will get the appointment.  Thanks for praying.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Reflection

1 John 2:6 
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Those who claim they abide in Christ should prove it by the way they walk,
Their demeanor should show it in everything, the way they act and talk.
So every believer, must look to Christ, as their example today,
And walk as He walked and do all you can, His will to daily obey.(RP)

The day after Christmas is a special day too, as we reflect on the happenings of yesterday.  Our family was here and we enjoyed them so much.  Margie had fixed her famous Christmas brunch which is highly esteemed by the grandchildren and their parents.  We also had a guest with us whose presence was a blessing to all.  The day went quickly and in the afternoon we were here alone, but not sad, as we got everything back in order after the busy morning.  Today is sort of like the "day after".  We have much to do.  Margie goes to the hairdresser in the morning and at 1 pm we attend the memorial service for a friend.  So there are never many dull moments.  Last night we had the privilege of speaking with my brother Ernie, in Singapore, and Harold in Anchorage.  What a wonderful thing Skype is.  Thanks for your prayers.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

The wonder of it all: Jesus came on a mission meant for all,
And gave his life for sinners which includes both large and small.
This gift is more than words can tell;we accept it as it is,
And are thankful to our Savior for this blessing which is His.
As we celebrate His birthday on this great December day,
May we all give joyful thanks as today we sing and pray.(RP)

We pray each of you has a wonderful day on this very special one. We look forward to our family arriving for a late brunch and later the time of sharing around the Christmas tree.  We praise the Lord for the strength He gives Margie to prepare this meal.  We are grateful for life and the joy the Lord gives daily.  Thank you for your faithful prayer support. 

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Countdown

Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, 
I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people   
Luke 2:10

The shepherds received such a message that night from the angel of God from above,
It was filled with hope and good tidings for sure and signed with the Father's love.
The joy which he promised which through Jesus would come was a message for one and all,
And all who receive Him have this joy in their lives because on day upon Him they did call.(RP)

Today, the last minute preparations will be made for the yearly brunch held Christmas morning.  We look forward to it.  Our family will be here and one other invited guest whose wife is away, so we wanted him to have Christmas with us. We pray that all of you will have a wonderful day.  Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.  We appreciate it.  

Monday, December 23, 2013

Christmas choir

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

The matter of prayer is a serious thing for all who claim His name,
Some are half hazard and some are sincere, some treat it like a game.
But the Lord said He's near to those calling upon Him,
So be truthful when praying, and you'll be filled to the brim.(RP)

Yesterday we attended the Christmas choir at our church.  It was a beautiful message in song.  We appreciated being there.  Our son was with us Saturday and until Sunday afternoon.  He is recovering from shoulder surgery and is doing well. He and his family will be back here for Christmas brunch.  Today we will be getting the final touches prepared for that brunch.  Margie has it all planned, and we are praying her strength will be sufficient to get it all done. Thanks so much for praying. 

Sunday, December 22, 2013

More baking

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. 
Mark 10:45

Oh the servant heart of Jesus how it speaks to one and all,
How he came to be a ransom for all who upon Him call.
He served while here on earth and now does so up There,
And is always looking our way to help all who are in despair(RP)

Yesterday Margie made a dessert for the fellowship at our church tonight after the Christmas Choir program.  I also stuffed some green peppers for distribution and our own use.  Our son Rawlie arrived in time for lunch and it is always nice having him here.  The snow here on the hill still persists.  No new snow but it is slow melting.  We drive with care down to the church.  We trust you all have a great Sunday.  Thanks for your prayer support

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Snow

Deuteronomy 11:13-14 
And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil.

What a wonderful promise God gave to his own as we read these words above,
They came from His heart but a command strong and clear, all from His heart of love.
The command to love and serve with heart and soul, came to them that day,
And when obeyed He would supply their needs all along the way.(RP)

It snowed Thursday night and yesterday our Bible class was canceled because the Senior Center follows the same schedule as the school system.  They were all closed yesterday.  The snow is beautiful and deer wandered through our yard off and on all day in search for food, I guess. Our son was going to spend the night her but he decided against it and will come today.  I am not certain I can get out of our driveway, but will try.  If not, I will do the necessary shoveling to clear the driveway.  Today is the first day of winter.  My brother told me a few days ago when he was in a part of Alaska working, the temperature was minus 57 degrees F.  We have only 35 degrees here.  That's a warm streak, my brother would say.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Winter Wonderland

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.I Corinthians 10:31

Questionable things may perplex some folks but the believer is told what to do.
Whatever we do we make sure of one thing: does it bring glory dear Lord to You?(RP)

Yes, Ferndale, Washington this morning is a Winter Wonderland. All schools are closed.  And that means the Ferndale Senior Activity Center is also closed.  They follow the same schedule as the school system.  So our Bible class today will not happen.  Yesterday I spent a good part of the day preparing for our lessons on the book of Revelation which will start in the New Year. Yesterday we had prayer meeting at the church.  Thanks dear friends for praying.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Routine

Colossians 3:2  
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

In a world so wrapped up with itself, we are exhorted to look above,
And feast on spiritual things, and see God's great hand of love.
With our mind set on things above, what a difference our lives will be,
We will be involved in things that matter to Him, and to this we all agree.(RP)

Margie's doctor appointment yesterday was routine.  Medications were reviewed and any necessary prescriptions made.  We had a bite to eat while in Lynden, and came home for a latte, which we both enjoy. In the evening we went to the AWANA program at church to watch the Children's Choir put on an excellent program directed by our pastor's wife, Sue Lunsford.  It was well worth the time we spent there.  It is getting cold again and tonight winds will return.  It invariably happens for Friday morning when the garbage can get blown over with the heavy winds.   Oh well.  Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

She did it

1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Prayer is acceptable always, and thankfulness ranks very high,
And as we pray, to our Father we draw nigh.
His will is for us to give thanks in everything we do,
And obedience to this brings us joy through and through.(RP)

Hats off to Margie!.  She was able again to make the Christmas rolls and goodies she has done for years. She paced herself carefully and made it all ok.  She sent one of the tea rings to our neighbor who appreciated it.  Last night we were guests with friends for dinner.  In the afternoon we received a visit from other friends from Merrysville.  It was a full, but very enjoyable day.  I take Margie to her doctor's appointment today.  This was prearranged, and not a result of her hard work yesterday.  It is a routine appointment to fine tune her medications, etc.   Thanks so much for praying. 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Baking for Christmas

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)

As mentioned earlier, Margie has always baked some delicious things for Christmas day.  Today is her day for that.  We pray her strength holds up to accomplish what she wants.  I will do all I can but baking is not my field of expertise.  She really looks forward to this each year and our family and neighbors surely do appreciate it.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Shopping list

Luke 6:31
And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

We wonder why we are treated this way; It's just the way it is,
But God has other plans for us; The best plan by far is His.
Treat others the way you like to be treated; This is the perfect way,
When done God's way you never lose: for then it will turn out okay.(RP)

Yes, we have our shopping list ready.  Margie wants to get some things before she starts the Christmas baking process.  She has done this for years.  We are grateful she enjoys better health to be able to do this.  She tires easily, but is learning how to pace herself so she can to the things in the kitchen she wants to.  This afternoon a friend will drop by to get two more books to send out for Christmas.  We have no idea how many books have been purchased and will not know until February.  Then we get our first report.  Thanks so much for your prayer support.


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Almost here

Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written,  The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

Oh the wonder of it all - God's sovereign actions seen,
His eyes saw me when in the womb, it was indeed a scene.
His book records every part of me when yet unformed in the dark,
And imagine my days were all known to Him before I started to embark.(RP)

Yes, it's almost here.  Christmas is around the corner.  We were late this year in getting the house decorated, but this week that was taken care of.  Margie will begin tomorrow on the goodies she has planned for our Christmas brunch.  Our grandchildren are very fond of her brunch.  We look forward to it.  But today, we also look forward to church.  What a privilege to attend, study,worship, and have fellowship on this special day. Thanks for your prayer support

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Communication

Titus 3:88 
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

This word is for those who have trusted Christ and their personal Savior is He,
Their job is "good works" done in Jesus name and to this we all agree.
We do this carefully as we trust the Lord and it is acknowledged by God to be good,
We profit by this in a special way as each one faithfully does what he should.(RP)

We marvel at modern communication .  Last night I had a nice visit with my brother Ernie. He is in Singapore.  When that ended, I called my other brother in Dead Horse, Alaska, and we had a great time on Skype.  The miracle of this technology is amazing, and to think their voices are so clear, it sounds as if they are sitting across the room from us as we visit thousands of miles apart. I can tell Margie is getting geared up for more preparations for the arrival of our family for Christmas brunch.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Many replies

 Psalms 27:14   Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

It takes so much work to just wait, and that's why God orders it so,
Don't ever go ahead of the Lord so that he will have to say whoa!
Wait for the Lord, that strengthens you, and gives your heart new life,
And prepares you so well for God's joy today and keeps away added strife.(RP)

We advertised our book on Facebook and LinkedIn and we are getting replies from around the world.  Those who communicated seemed to be most happy about the new picture we posted of ourselves.  We don't have an idea of how many books have sold but we trust more will see the ads and get some Christmas gifts. We are off to Bible study now.  Thanks for praying.


Thursday, December 12, 2013

Baking ideas

Romans 8:28 
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Oh how great to trust God's sovereignty and His providence Divine,
And to know He leads me daily with all the troubles that are mine.
He has a reason for each thing knowing best how to direct my way,
Cheer up fellow Christian, let God do His work, as you trust Him day by day.(RP)

Margie has already started her baking projects for Christmas.  I urged her to pace herself so she won't get too tired.  About all I can do is offer to clean up the kitchen which she really appreciates.  I take her to her hairdresser today.  She is unable to do these beauty things because of her arthritis.  For years she did it herself. I attempted yesterday to get our book advertisement on Facebook and Linkedin.  In fact we received 4 immediate answers from Brazil about the book.  It is amazing. Thanks for praying.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Cookies

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Psa 51:10

God wants clean hearts in all of us and urges us to seek,
Clean vessels He desires as we pray and work and speak.
With our spirits in deep devotion may they always steadfast be,
Renewed by the Holy Spirit in the work he's set out for me.(RP)

Yesterday Margie baked cookies for Christmas.  My hearing device gave out in my right ear so I went to the audiologist and she fixed it in a few minutes.  I am thankful for that.  The rest of the day was filled with all kinds of activities, but mainly working on future lessons for the book of Philippians. Thanks for your prayers. 

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Finally

And He said to them,Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.  
Matthew 4:19

If you don't follow Jesus you will not win men,
And we should hear this again and again.
Let's follow Jesus and bring them in,
So they receive forgiveness and freedom from sin.(RP)

We finally got our Christmas tree decorated.  We wanted to wait until our granddaughter could help but we decided it would then be just a few days before Christmas.  So we did it ourselves.  I also stuffed green peppers and distributed them to friends in the morning.  My hearing aids went "dead" on one side today so I'll have to get them fixed (I hope). They are not the dollar store variety so I am surprised one gave out this morning. Trust you all have a good day. Thanks for praying. 


Monday, December 9, 2013

Wait and see

When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Pr 16:7

We mortals doubt this can be so that peace could come this way,
But here it states when we please God even enemies are okay.
So please the Lord in all you do and this will be your lot,
The Lord will work in mighty ways to put you in the right spot.(RP)

They predict snow today, so we'll just have to wait and see.  I better get the snow shovel out, because I may have some work to do.  Yesterday was a delightful as we studied and worshiped at church.  We had a leisurely day at home in the afternoon and we were glad for that after the busy week, last week. I notice we have plenty on the agenda for today also so I guess there is no end to things we must get done.  Thanks so much for praying.  Rawlie is doing very well after surgery and we are thankful.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Day of rest

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will
trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Ps 18:2

When I read this verse filled with comfort so sweet, how my soul says thanks to the Lord,
He gives us so much that words can't describe the wealth and more still unexplored.(RP)

A day of rest today, we think.  It will be great to be at Sunday School and church.  We look forward to it.  We enjoyed a nice time yesterday in Mt.Vernon where Margie went to an event where handmade items were displayed for sale.  She was invited by her very dear friend and she and I both enjoyed the time.  We met with other friends we haven't seen in years.  It was fun.  We stopped at the huge Coop store for some essential items for Margie who is gluten intolerant.  We returned home and then last night attended a Sunday School class party at the Heaths.  It was a very enjoyable evening.  Thanks so much for praying.  Also, our son had a vey good day and is recovering nicely from his surgery. 

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Full days

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..Rom 5:1

There is only one way to be saved: by faith in Jesus God's Son,
And when this truly happens, a new life has just begun.
Justified by faith is the way and all who enter have peace,
So peace with God is a might thing that all should seek today,
And when it's done in simple faith, there will be victory all the way. (RP)

Yesterday was a full day. In the morning, we had the bible class with a good attendance.  In the afternoon was a memorial service for Melinda H.  Pastor Dave Lunsford conducted this and I helped. the winds and cold weather were fierce but we "weathered" the storm okay.  Today is another big day about which we will tell you tomorrow.  Thanks for praying.  

Friday, December 6, 2013

All's well

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.   John 15:5

Abiding in Christ is our calling today, Jesus invites us to be in this place,
The branches securely entwined to the vine, indeed is a wonderful base.
Fruit bearing is the result of this double abiding command,
And all this happens so smoothly because of the way it was planned.(RP)

Rawlie's surgery went well and we had a great day being there.  We are off now to Bible study so this will be short.  Thanks so much for praying.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Surgery

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  
Prov 3:5-6

The world wants to know the road they should take in the decisions of every day,
Believers in Jesus already know that in Him, the answer's on the way.
With our heart fully trusting for the answers we need, we know God will surely hear,
And never rely on your own understanding, it will fail you and not even come near.(RP)

Please pray for our son Rawlie, who has shoulder surgery at 12:45 today.  He has been in pain too long.  Now it's time to get it fixed. The rest of this week is filled with many activities.  We trust we will be able to complete them all.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Wash day

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psa 103:12
When God forgives sin He does a great job, no one can equal His work,
We are grateful for His wonderful grace and this duty He does not shirk.
From the east to the west is a mighty long way that no one can dispute,
And God removed our sins like that, because His forgiveness is absolute.(RP)

At our house this wash day.  I do this because it is too hard for Margie to go up and down the steps into the garage where the machines are.  I made steps that are not as high as normal ones, but it is still too much for her to use on wash day.  She just uses them to get stuff from the freezer, etc.   It is cold here and will continue for a few days (or many).  Weather permitting we want to pray with our son before surgery tomorrow.  Yesterday we attended the missions meeting at our church where we pray for missionaries around the world.  Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Prepared

1 John 5:12
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Eternal life is profound in what is offered us, 
The more we understand it's breadth it is indeed a plus,
Having Jesus means we trust Him and when you do you are IN,
Having Christ makes you one of his, and cleanses you from sin.
The saddest part of this whole thing: Some do not have the Son,
And because of this they are lost indeed, and their destiny they cannot shun.(RP)

Yesterday I got gas for the generator and made sure we had a can of starting fluid in case the electricity was cut off due to high winds.  This morning it will be blowing about 40 mph, they say.  I am off to an early morning meeting but will return soon and take Marge to the foot doctor.  Yesterday I continued my preparations for Bible class on Friday.  We wanted also to be with Gina, in Everett, while Rawlie is having shoulder surgery but we still do not know the time on Thursday because he has his pre-op meeting today with the doctor.  The weather is also "iffy" for us.  Even though we have brand new tires for the snow, we would not venture a 70 mile trip if it snows.  At our age, we better stay home.  Thanks for praying.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Cold

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

In this hustle bustle world of ours, we need to hear these things,
Disharmony is our ruin, because sad endings it always brings.
Let's learn to have the mind of Christ, which will help us stay the course,
And using compassion and tenderness we will never have remorse.
Be courteous today with all you meet and your day will be better I know, 
God's way will prove that by obedience, your spiritual life will grow. ( RP)

It is much colder today and tonight high winds of 50 mph will come, we are told.  We are glad nothing is planned today.  We will stay home, I hope, and we have plenty to do here. Our Sunday was good and we enjoyed the fellowship at our church.  I continue writing and enjoy every minute of it.  Thanks so much for your prayers.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

56 years

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.Lord, 

I'm glad you made this day for us, it's beautiful indeed,
Help me rejoice and happy be as Your Word I study and read.(RP)

56 years ago today our son was born in São Paulo, Brazil.  It was our first year there and we were studying the Portuguese language. It's hard to believe those years have flown by so quickly. Please pray for Rawlie who has shoulder surgery on Thursday of this week.  Our day yesterday was busy. We attended the memorial service for our friend Albert Denton. After that we visited with Joyce Pulling whose husband died last Sunday.  Then we spent a quiet evening at home.  Thanks so much for your prayers,