Friday, February 28, 2014

Plenty to do

Colossians 3:23-24 23 
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

So much of what is done today is done for men to see,
The Apostle Paul instructs us here, that this should never be.
What we do should be joyously done and only for the Lord,
Then we can know without a doubt that this will not be ignored.
So please my friend remember this that God gives rich rewards,
And serving the Lord brings rich dividends because He our acts records.(RP)

Our friend George Hanowell died last night.  He is our daughter-in-law's uncle.  Ardelle, his wife, will appreciate prayer as she make arrangements for everything.  I helped as much as possible by calling our funeral director friend las night.  Today is Bible study and we look forward to that.  Of course, many are sick with colds so we are unsure of the attendance.  Saturday is the memorial service for Norm Robertson and I appreciate your prayers as I give the message. Thanks so much for your prayers. 

Thursday, February 27, 2014

AWANA

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 
2 Peter 1:5-7

God's building blocks are perfect and each one contributes much,
And when we ADD them in our lives, we feel the Master's touch,
Please read this verse, and see how well it has for YOU been planned,
Each item given helps us, fulfill our Lord's command.
This long list starts with DILIGENCE and keeps adding precious things,
So build your life completely until your heart with rejoicing sings.(RP)

Last night I spoke to the AWANA club boys and girls.  They were very attentive as I spoke about one of the stories in our book.  When I told how the Lord protected our son from a snake bite that would have taken his life, they were spellbound.  After the class one of the boys asked his dad if he could buy the book.  I signed it and he was very happy.  Margie continue to get her strength back but it is a process.  We are grateful for your prayers.  And please pray as I conduct the Norm Robertson memorial service Saturday at 2 PM.  I need your support on this and appreciate your help in prayer. 

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Clearing the driveway

My work yesterday was shoveling snow from the driveway so I can get out tonight to speak at AWANA. A friend drove up before I had shoveled and got stuck right there at the street. I loaned our snow scoop and finally they got away.Cars were getting stuck just stopping to pick up their mail.  A week ago today we took Margie to the hospital for surgery.  What an episode that turned out to be.  She had a pretty good night.  Thanks so much for praying.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Better

But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy.
I Peter 1:15,16 

A call to holiness God gives to us today,
He is our pattern and we follow all the way.
In our daily walk, holiness is to prevail,
Living otherwise is definitely to no avail(RP)

After the winter storm, it is nice to see the sunshine again.  I can't get out of our driveway until the way is cleared.  I will try to get it shoveled off today sometime.  Margie is going pretty slow.  Her sleep is "more or less".  She is pretty discouraged with her aches and pains.  Please pray her strength will return soon.  Thanks so much for praying. 


Monday, February 24, 2014

More of the same

A lot of snow around here.  It is snowing hard as I post this. 


Yesterday church was cancelled.  Up here on the hill we have plenty of snow.  Drifts in our back yard are way over knee-level for me. More than a foot of snow adorns the tops of the bushes.  Margie had a pretty good night for which we are thankful.  It has been a painful process this time in her recovery after hernia repair.  Thanks so much for praying.  

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Winter Wonderland

We awakened to this today.

Margie had a good night.  Church was cancelled today and we think you can understand why.  I have much to do yet for the Norm Robertson memorial service next Saturday.  Please pray. We appreciate your prayers. 

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Sleep

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.
Hebrews 4:12

This Book we call the Bible is God's word for all mankind,
Its pages are inspired and the best that one can find.
The message of the Bible cuts deeply to the point,
And those who pay attention, it will never disappoint.
This Book knows what you're doing and your thoughts it reads so well,
And in bowing to its power, all your fears it will dispel. (RP)

At last Margie finally got some sleep.  We are so grateful.  The night before was miserable but she slept until about 8:30 this morning.  What a blessing.  I had the Bible study yesterday but Margie was not able to go.  I missed her being there.  The class gave her a beautiful card with the signatures of each one.  They also gave me an advanced birthday card with a generous love gift.  How we appreciate this class.  Thanks so much for praying.  

Friday, February 21, 2014

Better but not best

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

This verse inspires us today to live each day for Him, Because he gives us life and breath and all things to enjoy,
I wonder if there are some out there who forget this fact each day,And go their merry way each step their own plan to employ.(RP)

Yesterday was quite a day: the day after (surgery).  Margie did well. Today she is a bit weak and shaky, but recovering normally as I believe one should.  She did not have a super night but made it through pretty well.  Today I go to Bible class.  I wish she could be with me.  I told her I would stay home but she insisted I go.  Thanks so much for your prayers for us.  We appreciate it.  

Thursday, February 20, 2014

E R

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
2 Tim 2:13

We have a God so faithful that we never should forget
Who watches faithfully over us so we do not get upset,
His faithfulness is steady like a solid rock to us
We must never forget one moment that this is such a plus.(RP)

One never knows what a day may bring forth.  Yesterday, Margie's surgery was delayed over 3 hours.  Finally when she went to surgery, it was past 6 pm.  At 9:10 last night we were on our way home arriving around at 9:30.   Margie started having intense involuntary spasms of the legs. It was so severe we went to the E.R. at St. Joseph's hospital.  They ran special tests and all seemed to be okay.  The doctor finally gave her quinine and after a long time the spasms subsided.  He can't prescribe that medication, however, because there are too many side effects. We finally got home and into bed by 5:15 this morning.   Please pray for Margie.  This morning she is doing pretty well for which we are thankful.  Thanks so much for praying. 



Wednesday, February 19, 2014

This is the day

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 
1 Corinthians 1:9

How can we deny God's faithfulness when we see all He's done for us,
We were called and have fellowship with Christ, which for us is such a plus.
Jesus our Lord and Savior is our personal friend and guide,
And all along life's pathway He is always on our side.(RP)

Today is Margie's hernia surgery.  Many are praying, and we are pleased with this.  We will report tomorrow on this.  Yesterday was a busy day, preparing for today.  Margie is ready and will be glad when it is history.  Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Celebration

Matthew 5:14 
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Believers in Christ are the light of the world, and they are to shine for Him,
If they do not do what God commands, their light will be weak and dim.
Cities on hills are seen by all, and cannot hide their light,
So Christians, stand tall for Jesus, and do this with all your might. (RP)

Our family treated us to a delicious meal at a local restaurant to celebrate my birthday.  Margie made my favorite cake and they came her for that after our meal.  It was nice being with them.  At night we had a special phone call from Brazil from a friend from Semnary days.  He and his wife both spoke to us.  He started in English then asked if I could converse in Portuguese.  We were delighted to switch languages and speak for about 40 minutes with this fine couple.  Yes, we still speak the language we learned 57 years ago in Brazil. Thanks for praying as Margie does the countdown before surgery tomorrow.  

Monday, February 17, 2014

Getting closer

He who believes in Him is not condemned;
but he who does not believe is condemned already,
because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18

Believing in Jesus for eternal life is the only way to be saved,
Receive Him as your Savior, and in His book your name is engraved.
Believing in Him gives freedom; the opposite brings condemnation,
Believe in the Son of God, and immediately you'll see the transformation..(RP)

We are happy for Margie's sake the day is getting closer for her surgery.  It has not been an easy road eliminating some medications as she prepares for this day.  Please pray there will be no cancellations.  This would be hard on her. Thank you so much for praying.  We had a wonderful day at church yesterday listening to Dr. Tom Hoyle two times.  

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Special meeting

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.
Genesis 15:1

God's word to Abram still rings today, wonderful comfort for sure,To hear Him speak through the Word today makes me very secure. He is our shield and great reward, what better life could we need,Daily we rejoice in this promise so great, a precious blessing indeed.(RP)

We are privileged to have Dr. Tom Hoyle as speaker this morning in the absence of our pastor.  We have heard him before many time and he is very interesting.  We look forward to the two sessions this morning.  Margie had a good night, the first in many nights.  She is so restricted in her medications due to the up-coming surgery this Wednesday.  We appreciate your prayers that all goes well.  Thanks so much.  

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Great day

But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles,
or causes an abomination or a lie, 
but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. 
Revelation 21:27

Heaven's a great place and we are heading there, oh what a day that will be,
To be in His presence what joy that will bring, and it will be for eternity.
No trouble up there when He is in charge, and from all sin we will be free,
Be sure your name's written in the Lamb's Book of Life and join the glad jubilee.(RP)

Yesterday was a full day but delightful.  The morning Bible study had 3 more members added to it.  We are pleased.  At lunch we were guests at our church for a senior luncheon which served delicious food and an enjoyable program.  Today promises to keep us busy as well.  Thanks for praying

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day

1Jo 4:16 
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. 
God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

The sweetest words in all the world are those that God loves us,
Imagine He loves even me, no matter all the confusion and fuss.(RP)

This is a big day around the world.  It is highly commercialized,  that's for sure.  This year will complete 60 years Margie has been my valentine. What wonderful years.   Today we teach the Bible class, then attend a special luncheon at our church for the occasion.  So it will be a busy day.  Margie's countdown for surgery continues.  So far things have gone fairly well.  We trust they will continue.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Countdown

  2 Corinthians 5:17 
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
 behold, all things have become new.

To be in Christ is the safest place, because it means you are saved,
And that's all you need for eternal life; free from the sin that enslaved.
A new creation in Christ, with everything new, what a place to be,
Let now your light shine for Jesus, so that all the world will see. (RP)

Margie is now in the countdown for her surgery next Wednesday at 3 PM.  She has to limit many medications as she prepares for that day. A 45 minute interview with the nurse got her started on this week-long preparation.  We appreciate your prayer for her as limiting some medications can be hard to adjust to.  But the Lord is able.  Thanks for praying.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Strong winds

Psalm 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.

We come to the Lord sincerely in prayer, asking these things today, 
Oh how we need Him each day we live as we walk along the way.
His truth must guide us and teach us His ways;this is what we need,
We are assured of His presence and help as upon His Word we feed.
He saved us and keeps us in our daily walk, and upon Him we depend,
Thank God for His help at every turn; in our daily battles He will defend.(RP)

We are thankful for our home.  Last night the winds blew very much and the tree limbs rubbed against the eaves troughs and rumbled.  We will have to trim that tree real soon.  The cold weather has moderated and plenty of rain came yesterday.   We are washing clothes today, Margie will fold and iron, and I will continue with my studies in Revelation.  Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Preparation

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed -- in a moment, 
in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 
Corinthians 15:51-52
When Jesus comes to takes us home what a glorious day it will be,
Home at last, safe and secure, and our dear Savior we'll see.
Not all will die, we're told in the Word, some will be changed right away,
When the moment comes in God's clock, there will be no delay.
Cheer up dear Christian, keep looking up, something great is coming soon, 
No one knows the day or hour, but it could be this afternoon. (RP)

Margie soon will start her countdown of eliminating some medications, as she prepares for surgery on the 19th.  She has help with these things from a special nurse assigned to her case.  They have spent a long time on the phone organizing these things. It is hard because she has so many kinds of medication.  We appreciate your prayers for this matter.  Thanks so much

Monday, February 10, 2014

Visit

Then Moses said to the LORD,O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.   
Exo 4:10

The job was big and Moses knew and thus he refused to serve,
Instead he gave excuses bold; I think he had his nerve.
I know that I would do the same so no complaints today,
Just learn to give a "yes" to God, when he enlists please don't delay.
We may not think we're eloquent and I am sure we're not.
But give Him what you have, dear friend and from it He'll make a lot.(RP)

Our son visited us this weekend and we enjoyed that very much.  We had a great time at the restaurant for lunch on Sunday.  He went back home Sunday late afternoon.  At our church, the Ministry Fair was held after the morning service.  This gives those viewing the display tables all the opportunities there are available for service in our church.  It was enjoyable to put together and some worked very hard doing it.  I only helped with the Mission display coached by Laurel Hicks.  Thanks for praying. 

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Teaching

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
Victory-freedom-peace and such things are what folks are looking for,
They're looking intently all in the wrong place and what they get is war.
Oh that mankind to Jesus would look, finding peace for their troubled souls,
And soon they would know how much they have gained for Jesus truly consoles.(RP)

I was asked to teach one of the adult classes today in Sunday School. So I am up early doing some more preparation for that.  Our son, Rawlie, is here and we are enjoying his visit.  Today is the Ministry Fair Sunday at church after the morning service.  I worked yesterday helping to set up the table displaying Missions in our church.  We trust you all have a good day.  Thanks for praying.  

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Preparation

Proverbs 10:19 
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Words are cheap and numerous beyond belief,
Unfortunately with them oft times comes grief.
Sin is the root of careless words spoken day by day,
Words of emotions or wrath, all to the speaker's dismay.
God urges us to restrain the careless use of our speech,
When this is done, victory is ours, then we can ably teach.(RP)

I have been working several hours on preparation for one of the booths at the Ministry Fair at our church tomorrow after the morning service.  I am helping do the Missionary Fellowship display, which involves maps representing the countries where our supported missionaries serve.  It has been enjoyable to do this and this afternoon I go to actually put in place the material I have organized for it.  We had 34 in the Bible class yesterday and we were pleased to have two new students attend.  Thanks so much for your prayers,

Friday, February 7, 2014

Anticipation

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)

We always look forward with anticipation to the Bible class.  We have a great time there and are adding new students which we appreciate.  Margie is having a great deal of pain with the hernia, so will be so glad when surgery day arrives ( Feb 19th).  Thank you all for praying.  

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Goodbye

Matthew 18:20 
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

To gather together to worship the Lord is a wonderful thing to do,
To pray and sing and study His word, is a blessing to pursue.
God promises He's there when we gather in His name, 
As you leave this place of prayer, you'll never be the same.(RP)

Our dear friend Norm Robertson, died this morning at 2:30 AM.  He served the Lord faithfully many years.  A hard worker, a generous supporter of the Lord's work, intensely interested in missions, and a long-time friend is our word about Norm today.  Please pray for Doris, his wife and their wonderful children.  It is still VERY C
OLD here today.  I just read the temperature. It is 19 F.   Thanks so much for praying.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Surgery

Psalm 106:1  
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Giving thanks to the Lord is a debt we owe, for all He's done for us, 
Sometimes it's easier to fret about things and fool around and fuss. 
Let's learn to praise the Lord and thank Him, for this is very good,
And when we know that praise is due Him; doing this is what we should.
God's mercy last forever, and we thank Him because it is so, 
And determine to always praise him and His love to others show.(RP)

Yesterday the surgeon explained that Margie's inguinal hernia is very small.  We are happy about this.  Due to her long list of medications, the doctors determined she will have surgery at the  hospital.  It will be February 19,Wednesday, check in time 1 PM for a 3 PM surgery.   We appreciate so much your prayers about this.  Thank you.  

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Full schecule

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Ephesians 6:12

The spiritual battle for Christians is a serious matter indeed,
We must understand this struggle or we will never succeed.
The contest we face is demonic and Satan strives to destroy,
So we arm ourselves with His armor so His peace we can enjoy.(RP)

I notice 5 things on our agenda for today.  That's a lot and we hope we can get the things done.  Two of them are doctor's appointments.  Today Margie will have the first consultation with the surgeon who will do the hernia repair.  We should have a surgery date soon.  Thanks for your prayers. 

Monday, February 3, 2014

Cold streak

Psalms 139:17-18 
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

The thoughts of God that He wants us to know, are written in the Book,
And those who want to know them, must earnestly take a look.
God ways are beyond understanding, but our thoughts of them are a joy,
When we read of His love we are blessed, this process none can destroy,
His blessing to us are more plentiful than all the sand on the seas,
Our goal in life should be, our Savior always to please.(RP)

It really is getting cold, but not like other parts of the country.  We can expect 50 M.P.H. winds by tomorrow. And they talk of temperatures in the "teens" by the end of the week.  Many were exuberant over the Sea-hawks win yesterday. It was indeed a big day for fans.  We enjoyed a delightful time at church and are grateful we can attend.  Thanks for praying.  

Sunday, February 2, 2014

More stories

Matthew 24:35 
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

God's Word is eternal, the Bible tells us so,
It will always be that way no matter where we go.
The words of Jesus never pass away,
Next year, last week and certainly not today.
So treasure God's Word deep in your heart,
And from His commands never depart.(RP)

Margie spends hours going through the journals seeking ideas for me to write stories about.  I read what she has jotted down, and an idea flashes into my mind.  I then sit at the computer and write it.  She looks it over, corrects, adds to and then it returns to me.  I clean those copies and they await editing some day when we are able to do that.  We will be gong down the hill, Lord willing in less than an hour to church.  We look forward to it.  Thanks, as always, for your prayer support.


Saturday, February 1, 2014

Colder

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11


We wonder what God thinks of us; here is the answer clear,
He desires peace, not evil, for His own, a blessed thing to hear. 
God wants our future to be bright, and a future filled with hope,
With a future so plainly described, with every problem we can cope.(RP)

We enjoyed a nice time with friends last night where gluten free food was served making it possible for Margie and others to enjoy a meal.  We were home by 9:15 giving enough time for Margie's countdown medication routine.  It was COLD! And it is this morning also. We don't have a lot on the schedule for today.  I will probably keep writing more chapters for the book.  Thanks for your prayers,