One more day

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)

Things went smoothly yesterday at the garage sale. We trust today will be also.  The weather is super and today will be better.  We had a lot of people who came to look over our displays.  Many purchases were made. We had a good night last night and look forward to this day.  Thanks so much for your prayers. 

It's here!

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.

We have waited for almost two years (or more) to have this sale. Our garage held all the table nicely so we will not be bothered by the rain, if it does come.  It's hard to believe that all the real hard work is over.  And most of all it will be nice to have more room in the garage.  We finished last night with the pricing of items.  Now things are ready for an 8  o'clock opening. We have no clue what sort of a response we will have to the announcement.  This, being a weekend holiday, makes it a little uncertain as to how many will show up.  But we are okay with whatever happens.  I can even schedule another Saturday, if we choose to finish things off. Thanks for paying.  We appreciate it. 

The pressure is on

John 8:32 

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

We all want our freedom and rightfully so, but independent from God we must not be,

To be free indeed we must know Jesus as Lord, making Him our Savior is the key.

He is the Way the Truth and the Life and the freedom He gives will last,

And all that we receive through His gift of life can never be surpassed.(RP)

Today we must get all our garage sale items priced, the tables placed and ready to go by tomorrow morning.  It is quite an undertaking for octogenarians, but we are doing it so far.  We would appreciate your prayers as we conduct this sale.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Preparation

Psalm 119:133 

Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Lord help me live this prayer today, way down deep in my heart, 

Please give strength and conviction, dear Lord, and from it never depart. 

Please take control of my life and heart so I'll never stray from You,

And may my communion with You be sweet, both now and all the day through.(RP)

In preparation for the garage sale, I wanted to give our garage a cleaning.  It is not completely clean but very orderly now and we can have the tables inside the garage in case of rain.  I worked all day on it, finishing around 4:15.   Today Margie and I will be going through the things, sorting, pricing and separating.   We had hoped for the help of a friend who is experienced in garage sales, but she is not home from a trip.  We have to have it this week, because next week our Bible class starts.  We are just grateful our book deal is in the publisher's hands and we had the free time for the garage sale.  Thanks so much for praying.  

Garage sale

Luke 10:29

But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

Good works will never save you, only Jesus saves from sin,

This man who talked to Jesus had no clue where to begin.

He assumed that giving much would be all that He required, 

He learned from Jesus that there's something else to be admired.

He thought he treated neighbors well, but Jesus showed another part,

And the way you treat mankind is based on what is in your heart.(RP)

Now that the book deal is on the way, we must focus on a garage sale. For about two years we have items stacked in the garage waiting for that day.  This Friday is the only day we have for he garage sale, because next week starts the Bible class at the Ferndale Senior Center. So our work  is cut out for us.  There is much to do before Friday.  I have already asked for some tables, and last night put in an add in the local newspaper for three days. We appreciate your prayers for this event. Please pray for physical strength and also good weather for the day.  Thanks so much.

Negative

Deuteronomy 31:8 

And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.

What more than this could we want: our Savior leading the way,

And walking right beside us, we stay with Him and not stray.

He will not leave us nor forsake us; this is His promise today,

He's the one who gave this, this promise He will not betray. (RP)

Every now and then, this happens.  Last night, Margie did not sleep well.  We hope she will sleep in this morning, but I doubt it. I am continuing to work on the Senior Center Bible Class studies.  This starts September 6.  The summer is almost gone.  We hope to hear one of these days from the publisher concerning our book.  It is their busiest time of the year so we must be patient.  Thanks for yor prayers. 

Beautiful day

2 Corinthians 5:7 

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

We always think we know the route, but God shows us His way,

In Christ we walk by faith, you see, and it's that way every day. 

If we leave Him out of our daily plans then surely we'll go astray,

So learn to trust completely in Him and read His Word and pray. (RP)

We have not seen a summer like this in a long time.  We are praying there will be a few more days like this so we can have a garage sale. When I posted on Facebook the submission of our book, we received comments from several, even in Brazil, wanting a copy.  Please pray for both of these things.  We look forward to church today. 

THE DAY AFTER

Ecclesiastes 3:11 

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

God, made everything beautiful, according to His plan,

And each thing He set in order, ever since the world began.

Mankind has ideas of eternity, and wants to be part of it,

But is unaware that to enter, he is really very unfit.

God's work is very complex, and men need his help for sure,

Only in Christ is one's life sufficient, then his future is secure.(RP)

The day after submitting our book was indeed the day after. We were relaxed to the point of laziness and the recliner felt real good.  But life goes on and we have much to do.  Today it is stuffed green  peppers, clean the office and what else can we figure out what to do.  Oh, Margie is going to bake some things also.  Thank you one and all for your prayer support.  We appreciate it. 

Xulon Press

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

This is a day of rejoicing.  Last night I sent off the book manuscript to Xulon press.  I had a challenge with sending the pictures, but we hope they arrived okay.  Please pray now that all will go well and perhaps they will be able to have it on the market by Christmas.  The name of our book is:  "From a Canoe to a Chevy." Brazil: Memories and Ministries  Thanks so much for praying.

Reading

For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.  Philip.1:11 

It's hard to learn this lesson, Lord for we who are so weak,

But give us faith and courage, Your will to always seek.(RP)

Margie and I are reading the book manuscript for the last time.  We are praying we will be able to send it off to the publisher before the week is over.  We sincerely thank each of you for your prayers for this process.  

Exciting

Psalm 143:8

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, 

For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, 

For I lift up my soul to You.

Lord help me read your Word each day,

And learn Your will for me.

And make my life so full of you,

So others my Savior will see. (RP)

It is exciting to see how quickly things are going together now for the book.  Laurel has been a tremendous help to us which we appreciate greatly.  I talked to Xulon press today. After doing some adjustments and a quick read-through, I will probably send the manuscript off before the end of this week. Thanks so much for prayer.  We deeply appreciate it.  

Fifty-nine years ago

Ps 34:3 

Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.

Fifty-nine years ago, we made our vows for life,

And what a joy to have Margie, my dear and loving wife.

As we are now older and reflect on all these years,

Our Lord has led us, and brought us so many cheers.

We look forward to days ahead as He would have them be,

Joy will be complete some day, when His dear face we see.(RP)

Here in Ferndale, at First Baptist Church, we were wed, 59 years ago.  As we used to say " A lot of water has gone down the Amazon river" since that day.  We rejoice in the measure of health given us and we look forward to whatever He has for us in the days ahead. Thank each of you for praying for us.  Your faithfulness has been an encouragement.

Keep at it

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.Galatians 6:7

Remember self deception plays awful tricks on us 

Because we think we are alone but really God sees all,

And what we do is seen by Him and what we say He hears.

Sowing and reaping go hand in hand, and soon the verdict will fall.(RP)

We always have plenty to do.  The senior years are interesting. We who are there, know it takes longer to get things done, and it takes longer time in-between those things we are suppose to do.  But it is challenging.  We had hoped to get a garage sale in while the weather is good, but that may not be possible.  Our editor told us yesterday that it would be wise to have the publishing company also look at the manuscript before it is published.  We hope this does not delay it to the point of not being ready for a Christmas promotion.  We will leave this in the Lord's hands and see what develops.  Thanks for your prayers during these final moments of our book deal.  

Encouragement

  I no longer call you servants, because a servant

does not know his master's business.

Instead, I have called you friends,

for everything that I learned from my Father

I have made known to you.

John 15:15

Our relationship with Jesus is a special one indeed,

if we claim Him as our Savior and live each day for Him.

He does not call us servants even though we are that too,

but He considers us His friend,

and that hope will not grow dim.

(RP)

It appears we may be getting close to the finishing line for the book.  I know there are things to do, but the way it is progressing brings hope the end is in sight.  Thanks to Laurel, our kind editor, who is doing the readings necessary for publication.  It is all very encouraging.  Margie had a good night for which we are grateful.  Our grandson cooked our supper last night.  He is good at that.  Later Rawlie came up so they are here for a few hours.  We, Lord willing, will be going down to Sunday School and church this morning.
Thanks for praying. 

Miracle Gro

Malachi 3:8-9

Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings.You are cursed with a curse, 

A cheerful giver is God's delight, He instructs us to practice this gift,

But some have wandered away from this path, and now have gone adrift.

They've forsaken the tithes and offerings, and are out of touch with things,

And for all who rob God there's sorrow ahead, and a lot of anguish it brings.

What a shame to be cursed by a loving God, when it could be so much better,

Admit your guilt of this shameful path and no longer to God be a debtor.(RP)

Normally each Friday I put Miracle-Gro on the rosebush and other plants.  Last night darkness took over and I didn't get it done.  So early this morning I got that chore taken care of.  The flowers cheer the spot in front of our house well.  Margie slept well last night.  We are going to stuff green peppers today.  It's fun.  Gina, Ben, and Monique dropped by for a visit yesterday before going to the Lynden Fair.  I am now working on what may be the last revision of the book readings.  If so, soon we will send the manuscript off to the publisher.  At that point our work is still not done. As soon as they format the book, they send it back to us in digital format, and we place all the proper page numbers for each chapter.  Sounds like fun, doesn't it?.  Well it really is.  We enjoy every minute of it.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Siblings

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Ps 111:10

Some talk of being smart; Our God sees things in a different way,

Fearing Him is priority if wisdom we desire,

And he who wants good understanding must do things as He says,

And if you follow them from the heart, all these things you will acquire.(RP)

It has been a long time since Margie and I have together with her siblings, Barb and Spud.  Her allergies prevented her from joining them at the restaurant from time to time.  She braved the storm and yesterday we were able to meet and had such a nice time. Laurel also finished the main part of reading the book manuscript.  I will do my best to put in a lot of time and get that done so we can send it off to the publisher.  Thanks so much for praying about this and Margie's health.  We appreciate it greatly.

Cooler

Matthew 5:43-44 

You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 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. 

It's so easy to get mixed up in relationships here below,

The normal way of things is the opposite of what we know.

To love our neighbors is a given, but God expects more than this,

He demands we love all men, and those who hate us,we must not miss.

We are treated unkindly by so many today, but God's command stands strong,

He ordains we heap love upon them, and pray for those who have done us wrong.(RP)

Cooler weather is here, and it even rained yesterday. We are going into town today to meet Margie's siblings.  They haven't been together in a long time, mostly because of Margie's condition. Please pray for Laurel as she reads and makes corrections to many more pages in the Brazil book manuscript.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Feeliing better

1 John 1:8-10

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Self deception is real and God tell us so in His Word He has given to us.

If we say we sin not we deceive ourselves and there's nothing more to discuss.

Speaking this way shows our weakness: we haven't read the Book,

Read much and learn what He says and take a better look.

Confessing sin is our debt and when we do He acts.

It cleanses us from all unrighteousness and prepare us for enemy attacks.

Don't say you have not sinned, for that is a lie and makes God lie,

Just trust and commit your life to Him and upon His promises rely..(RP)

Thankfully I am doing better on the vertigo.  Yesterday I was wobbly,  but today not so much.  Margie had a good night also for which we are glad.  Today is physical therapy for Margie and I will do some shopping while there.  Thanks for praying for us.

What next?

Philippians 4:6-7 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Are you anxious, my friend, and troubled about things; let God's Word speak to you now, 

There's a reason we fret over much today; the Lord gives victory; let Him show you how.

We are nervous and worried in our daily walk, because we don't pray nor thank the Lord,

If you talk to the Lord when your emotions run high, He will answer and give a reward.

His peace is what we earnestly want right now, and praying to Him gives you this,

He gives peace to guard heart and mind; I know these things you should not miss.(RP)

A small case of vertigo hit me so I am working my way through this well-worn path.  It hits me hardest when getting out of bed.  So someone may suggest I just stay there.  I would rather be up and doing something.  Our grandson took pictures of Margie and me Sunday and I am working on those, editing and getting them ready to use in our book. We are grateful for Margie's good night of sleep.  I am well enough to get down to the drugstore for some over-the- counter medication for vertigo, then I'll stop by for a haircut on the way home.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Better

Psalm 138:8 

The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

I'm so glad You're not through with me yet dear Lord; there's more You will do for me,

You perfect Your children in their own peculiar way, and to this we surely agree.

Your mercy is everlasting, and we count on this each day; It is certain this will not end,

And we praise You now from our hearts, because without a doubt upon You we can depend. (RP)

Thankfully Margie had a good night.  This is not the usual report she gives, so we are glad for a good night's rest. Yesterday we were blessed to have a call from Mr. Al Pick, from Shepherds Home.  It was a pleasure for him to bring us up to date on some of the goings-on there.  At noon when we returned from church, our son and grandson were at our house.  I was able to make them a latte and they returned to their home in Stanwood.   I read through an corrected approximately 95 pages of manuscript for our book.  Our editor friend, Laurel, now has it about half finished.  We are pleased with the progress.   Thanks so much for your prayers.

Worship

But those who wait on the LORD;Shall renew their strength; ;They shall mount up with wings like eagles,  ;They shall run and not be weary, ;They shall walk and not faint.  .Isaiah 40:31

Oh how refreshing to wait on the Lord, to hope in Him all the way,

He gives strength to His children and renewed life each day.

In Christ we can rise to the heights above,safely on His mighty arm,

And run without weariness all the way free from fears that alarm.

Help us Oh God to always trust in your wonderful promises true,

And know we can always have rest, and total peace with YOU.

We are happy we can go to church today for Bible study and worship.  Margie had a better night and we are thankful.  Laurel finished about half of the book manuscript so we are in the process of cleaning up those pages.  She has done a masterful job doing these necessary readings, and we are thankful for her help.  Believe it or not, it's raining now. We have had very little rain in more than a month.  Thanks, dear friends for praying. 

Memorial service

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Heb 4:12

God's Book the Bible stand the test no matter what may come,

It's powerfully strong for any life and it makes no difference where you're from.

This living Book, this instrument strong knows how to pierce a soul,

And all who embrace its teachings the Lord will make them whole.

This Word reads hearts and minds so well and discerns the thoughts of men,

And it will convict the sinner for sure and do it over and over again.(RP)

Yesterday I conducted a graveside service and today we attend one for a friend.  We will do some shopping in town.  I need to get more ink and paper for copies to go to the editor.  Margie had a better night for which we are thankful.   I am working ahead of schedule preparing for the Senior Center Bible study group which starts Sept. 6.  Thanks so much for praying.

Not so good

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.

Lately Margie has not been sleeping well.  She thought she had it figured out, but last night was awake again.  The night before she was awake praying and concerned about our getting the book done in time for Christmas promotion.  At least she does something practical while awake. We pray she will be able to get her rest.  I have a graveside service today.  We appreciate each of you and thank you for your prayer support.

Busy

For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. 

Philippians.1:11 

It's hard to learn this lesson, Lord, for we who are so weak,

But give us faith  and courage, Your will to always seek.(RP)

As we move toward the end of the week, our schedule is getting filled.  We will mention things as they develop.  Today is prayer meeting and we are glad to meet with others for this time each week. Margie did not have a very good night.  Food allergies seem to be the problem this time.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Interview

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers; Philemon 1:4

Paul's friends were scattered far and wide and it seems he remembered them all,

And talked to God about each of them as upon His Lord he did call.

How wonderful to have such a man as this,remembering us in prayer,

Taking to God each believer by name,helping their burdens to bear.

We can be that person, starting today, by thanking God for those we know,

And mention their names as we talk to God and indeed our prayer life will grow.(RP)

Yesterday at the monthly missionary meeting at our church Margie and I were interviewed by Laurel Hicks regarding our Brazil book. It was fun talking about a couple of the stories we wrote.  We appreciated this opportunity.  I have gone through over seventy pages Laurel gave me yesterday and will print them. This may be the last reading of these few pages.  We appreciate Laurel's thoroughness.  Thanks for praying.  Margie will be seeing her eye specialist regarding her concern abouit her vision.  Thanks for your support in prayer. 

Strange

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

In Christ there is genuine peace; in this world only trouble awaits,

He alone can solve our problems, and give peace which He creates.

He wants us to be content and face life with a cheerful smile,

Because of His overcoming work, we can face every trial. (RP)

I switched phones last week and the new one was defective.  I asked for an update to get a better one, and the answer came that I could only get a replacement.  Of course I was not happy with that verdict. I read the invoice carefully and it states a refund was okay within 30 days of purchase.  Imagine that?  So I returned it yesterday and will get my refund.  Amazing!  Margie did not have a good night. The medication did not work.  Sleepless hours resulted.  Please pray.  And thank you for praying.  We appreciate it. 

C C

2 Chronicles 7:14 

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

God seeks the best for His people down here,

This special message for them to hear.

Humility must reign in the hearts of His own,

This happens when people put God on their throne.

He's looking for those who will seek Him and pray,

And constantly do this, day after day. 

He demands that they turn from wickedness and sin,

And never let evil and bad thoughts within.

God's eager to hear from heaven and forgive,

So let's do our part and for Jesus live.(RP)

The C C in the title today translates to: Continued Concern.  Margie's vision has been cloudy and uncertain the last 3 days, causing great concern.  If it continues, she will see the specialist.  We appreciate your prayers about this.  Thanks so much for your prayers. 

Concern

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. 

Titus 1:15-16

The unbeliever's heart is hard, impurity prevails, 

Their mind is set on negatives and nothing good avails.

Their profession is commitment, but in deed they just deny,

Abominations and sinful living every day will multiply,

And when God looks at their lives He discounts the things they do,

For their works are not for the right, and only evil they pursue.(RP)

Yesterday Margie's eyes were not functioning as before. It is a real concern to us why all of a sudden her vision has diminished. Please pray with us about this.  While Laurel is doing another reading of the book manuscript, I was checking to make sure all graphics were correctly placed in the text.  I also checked for duplicate stories.  Thankfully I found none.  Thanks friends for praying.  We appreciate it greatly. Lord willing we are too church this morning. 

What's next?

Acts 17:26 

And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

Mankind is basically the same, of one blood God made them all,

And in every place on planet earth, we find them great or small.

God chooses the place where each one dwells, no matter where it is,

And the setting of men's boundaries, is sovereignly His.(RP)

We are intrigued with the process of getting a book to the publisher.  It has been a great learning experience.  Yesterday Laurel suggested we add a part to the beginning of the book.  Three days ago we wrote an ending chapter to it. I printed 307 pages yesterday and delivered them for the next-to-last reading of the manuscript.  I believe we can see the end of the preliminary work coming to a close.  I am sure it has been boring for you who read these lines, but for us, it has been a lot of fun.   Thanks so much for praying.  

Printing

Philippians 4:11 

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

To be content is an envied thing, so many want nothing more,

But to have this in your life today, some things you must ignore. 

Contentment comes with a relationship, and that with Jesus Christ,

If He is not the central One, by someone else you've been enticed.

Surrender all to the Lord right now; let Him be in control,

And you will soon learn contentment in your body and your soul. (RP)

This morning I am printing the pages of our book to take for another reading.  Hopefully this and the next reading will remove the mistakes and prepare it for presentation to the publisher.  This is our prayer.  We appreciate you prayer also for this.  Yesterday we had a slight set-back, when the computer did not want to save my corrections and rebelled and would not open.  I used some innovative approaches to get around this and thankfully they worked. Thanks so much for praying.  

Cooler

Proverbs 4:7 

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Jesus is wisdom for he who believes, the Bible tells us so, 

We're told to get wisdom, He's the best person to know.

Wisdom means doing things God's way, it is simple as that,

If you don't agree, we better get together and chat.

When you have Jesus, understanding comes too,

His love is demonstrated,because it was given to you.(RP)

I heard the other day our county had gone 33 days without rain.  It is more than that now.  The weatherman this morning said it is now going to change.  It is overcast, very cool, the wind is blowing and it is a definite change.  Lawns look pretty dry. I am sure we need rain. But I keep the rose bush and flowers well-watered.  They look great. We are close to printing the book manuscript for its next reading. Laurel suggested I add another chapter at the end of the book.  That will be my assignment today, along with some other things.  Margie is still asleep but it's also still early in the morning.  I pray she had a good night.  I believe she did.  Thanks for praying.