Wednesday, April 30, 2014

QUICKLY

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:14

We're always in a hurry as we travel here below, and God so sweetly tells us just to wait yes wait on Him,
We should always have good courage as we wait on Him each day,Then His strength will then be given and He'll fill us to the brim.(R.P.)

We are amazed at how quickly the months fly by.  It must be because we are old and that is the way it works.  Just think of it.  Tomorrow is May already.  We hope no one is forgetting that May 1 is the DAY OF PRAYER.   Our church will be open for those who care to drop in throughout the day.   We trust you all have a good day.  Thanks so much for praying.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

BUSY

Matthew 5:14-16 
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Believers in Jesus are the light of the world; all have a job to do,
We shine for Him in every place and thus the evil subdue.
Let your light shine for Him, so the world sees your good works,
Don't give up on this duty, or your witness for Him shirks.
What a joy it is to be faithful, so others see Jesus in you,
Then they will glorify our Father, and always to Him be true. (RP)

Margie is busy cleaning the bathrooms this morning.  Even though week, she tries her best to keep doing things.  For a long time I did those duties, but she earnestly wanted to do them.  I mop the floors for my part of that project.  The weather is perfect.  We are thankful to live in this part of the country.  So far we haven't been plagued with adverse conditions.  We pray it remains so. Thanks so much for praying.  It means much to us. 

Monday, April 28, 2014

TO DO LIST

Psalm 34:4  
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

The Lord takes pleasure in answering prayer of His children here on earth,
And those who seek Him will soon find out about this verse and its worth.
God answers prayer, and I am so glad to have His deliverance from fear,
So seek the Lord and discover for yourself, that we have a Savior who is near. 

The "to do" list never grows smaller, it seems.  I am alway studying ahead for the book of Revelation.  That keeps me on my toes.  I am also preparing for a message for Mother's Day.  We must get some necessary items at the stores today, and I have to pay our property taxes TODAY.  I don't want to wait and find a long line at the court house on the day they are due.  We had a very nice time with our son this weekend.  It is so thoughtful of him to come visit us.  He also is the one who sold our Oldsmobile for us.  We are grateful.  And we are grateful to YOU for your prayers.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

GUEST SPEAKER

Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.  Hebrews 12:1-2

We each have a race to run in life; it's before us each day we live,
Why not look to Jesus on the way, because He has something to give.
He gives salvation for all who will come to Him; what a gift of life!
Let Him today give you eternal life; He will take your sin and strife.(RP)

We look forward to church this morning.  The guest speaker is Ron Buchinsky, director of Lighthouse Mission in Bellingham, Washington.  Our pastor, Dave Lunsford,  is recovering from complete knee replacement surgery and we are praying for his therapy and complete healing.  Also, our son is here and we look forward to a nice time with him again today.  He will be returning to Stanwood in later afternoon.  Thanks for yuour prayers. 

Saturday, April 26, 2014

VISIT

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)

Our son arrived last night to spend a couple of days.  We are glad to have him here.  He is the one who sold our car this week and we are grateful for his service to us.  This morning we are going to the local Starbucks for a fellowship time.  I will prepare some peppers later on and distribute them (stuffed peppers).  It is a beautiful day and the weather is superb.  We had a great time at the Bible class yesterday even though some were absent due to illness.  Thanks for your prayers, 

Friday, April 25, 2014

GREAT DAY

Psalm 71:8
Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day.

This is my prayer, oh Lord, as I begin the day with you,
I will praise your name and glory in you, all the day through.(RP)

We always  look forward to this day and the Bible class on the book of Revelation at the Ferndale Activity Center.  Many years ago I was privileged to start this class and did so for 7 years. Then we were gone for 11 years with the Shepherd's ministry.  A couple of years ago I was alerted to the fact the class was shutting down, due to the illness of the kind gentleman who was teaching.  I approached the management and said I was willing to help if they desired.  So we are very pleased to be there again.  The fine group of students is blessing to teach.  We all have a GREAT TIME.  I always start off each class with a special nature lesson I call  God's handiwork in nature.  Thank you all for praying.  


Thursday, April 24, 2014

SOLD

 He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:45

God is so gracious in His treatment for all,
He does the same things for the big and small.
Even the evil receive rain from His hand,
And the sun shines brightly just as He planned.
The just and unjust are on level ground before Him,
And His grace is sufficient to fill their cup to the brim.(RP)

Many helped us pray about the sale of our car.  God answered and yesterday afternoon our son sold it to one of his fellow-workers at the company.  We praise the Lord for the wonderful way He answered.  Quite a few responses to the ad, was proof the interest was high.  We had originally planned on using that car until we could drive no more, but the seats are so low, Margie's ability to get in and out of it was getting serious. Our newer vehicle is a breeze for her to enter and exit.  We are thankful.  Thank YOU for praying.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

CAR

 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalms 27:14
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)

Our son advertised our Oldsmobile on his company website.  I did likewise on Facebook.  I put signs in the window of the car parked at the front of our house.  The Facebook ad resulted in two calls about it and our son's ad received about 5, I believe.  As a result, last night I drove the car to Mt. Vernon and Rawlie and his son picked up the car there and Rawlie took it to work today for those fellow-employees who want to look at it.  Our friends, Dale and Kathy Stewart brought me back from Mt. Vernon.  It was nice of them to do us this favor and we appreciate it.  We pray that today the car will be sold.  Thanks to you who have prayed about it.  And thank you always for your prayer support.  

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

SLEEP

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

In the family of God the invitation is given: Come to the throne of grace,
We find mercy there and grace supplied at this wonderful heavenly place.(RP)

Today Margie will receive a new "mask" for her sleep machine.  The present one is leaking air more than normal so she chose another design.  Today we will pick it up.  Thanks for remember the sale of our car.  We are hopeful that soon we will find a buyer.  Today I will spend more time in serious study for the Revelation class. Thanks for praying.


Monday, April 21, 2014

BIG DAY

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8

I'm glad that Jesus knows each heart and does nothing slipshod,
And all whose hearts are pure indeed,He says they will see God(RP)

Yesterday was a big day.  We joined Rawlie and his family at their church for the Easter service.  Then we wet to their place where Nathan and his mother prepared a delicious meal for about 11 people.  It was a grand time and around 4:30 we left, stopping in Mt. Vernon to see a couple, the Thomasons, who are our good friends and she had some clothing items for Margie.  Then we made our way home, arriving around 6:30.  It was a very enjoyable day.  It was the first longer trip in the newer car we have.  It was a super ride and very enjoyable to drive.  Thanks, as always, for praying. 

Sunday, April 20, 2014

HE IS RISEN

HE IS RISEN
Matthew 28:6 
He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

The women came with spices that resurrection morn,
Prepared to anoint His body but in their hearts forlorn.
Arriving at the tomb, an angel met them there,
With assuring words of comfort and hope for their despair.
To prove the Lord had risen he showed them the empty spot,
Which reminded them of His words which apparently they forgot.(RP)

On this resurrection morning, we rejoice because He is alive and is our Savior.  We will be with our family today and look forward to that.  Yesterday I prepared our Oldsmobile so we could put it on the market and try to sell it.  Please pray with us about this.  We trust you all have a great day.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

SERVICE LAST NIGHT

Hebrews 12:2 
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our Savior did much for us when He died on the cross for our sins,
Whoever invites Him into their life, we know that person wins.
The Author and finisher of our faith, no other has ever done so much,
The world ties to make it to heaven, but without Him they cannot find such.
Jesus' died on the cross and rose from the tomb, now with the Father above, 
We give Him praise for all He's done for us, because of His great love.(RP)

The special Good Friday service in our church last night was a blessing.  The Easter Choir sang two beautiful songs and pastor Dave gave a fine message appropriate for the occasion.  We appreciated being able to be there.  Today, I am trying to get the Oldsmobile sedan ready for sale.  I have to change the license plates and get a sign on it and put it out at the front of our house.   As always we thank you for your prayer support.

Friday, April 18, 2014

GOOD FRIDAY

John 8:36   "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."

To be free from sin and safe in Him is something that all should aspire,
Only in Jesus is such freedom found and we pray that gift you will admire.
When Christ forgives sins and sets you free, you  are free indeed,
And if you have never done this my friend, then you have a serious need.(RP)

We look forward with anticipation each week to the Bible study at  Ferndale Activity Center.  Hopefully today we will have almost 35 people coming to study the book of Revelation.  Tonight we gather in our church for the Good Friday service.  We look forward to that as well.  It is a busy weekend so there is much to do.  Margie had another good night for which we are thankful.  Thanks for your prayers,


Thursday, April 17, 2014

SHORT-LIVED

 I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.Job 42:2

No limits on God, is the word for today; He does what He wants to do,
His plan for our lives is almost the same, but it can be changed by you.
Praise Him today for His work in our lives and way He has led us each day,
And continually walk in His path for you, as you read the Word and pray. (RP)

As stated yesterday, my brother is returning to Alaska. His time was short-lived because some preparations were not complete for him to do the work he was called to do.  He was going Friday but changed for today.  Yesterday afternoon he had a meal with us and he left after we watched the news together.  We will miss him.  This morning Margie will go the beauty shop and this afternoon we have prayer meeting.  Thanks for praying. Margie had a good night and so did I.  

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

IT'S BEEN GREAT

 1 John 1:8-9 
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Self deception is so common,that's why John wrote these few lines,
When one thinks he is not sinning and in other things opines.
God tells us oh so plainly that the truth is not in us,
When we say we have no sin, we better stop our fuss,
Just confess your sin to Jesus and He'll faithfully forgive,
Giving joy and peace and calmness and a great desire to live(RP)

My brother Harold treated us to a delicious meal last night. During the meal he also announced that his work here is almost finished and he will be leaving Friday noon for Anchorage. We are sorry to hear this because we have enjoyed him so much.  He come here each afternoon for a meal and fellowship.  It has been so good having him around.  He has been very good to us and we appreciate it very much.  Margie saw the bone specialist yesterday, and he gave her some exercises to help her knee situation.  We are hoping it helps her.  Thanks so much for praying.  

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

KNEES

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

Deception is the devil's tool to keep men far from Him, 
But God's not mocked with men's routines,What he sows will be reaped, and It will be grim(RP)

Today Margie sees a bone specialist in Bellingham about her knees.  When I had my 10 year check up on my knees, I mentioned to the doctor Margie's agonizing pain.  Previously he told us there was no surgery for knee cap problems.  But on this visit, he said there were some exercises that could be done and an injection that should give relief.  That is great, and we look forward to that trip this morning to his office.  So, each day has it's schedules, and we are thankful for strength to try to keep up with everything.  Thanks so much for praying.  We appreciate it. 

Monday, April 14, 2014

FULL WEEK

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)

In a way, every week is busy.  As we age, I think it just takes longer to get things done.  At any rate the list grows and there is plenty to do.  Margie had another good night for which we are grateful.  We had a wonderful time at church yesterday.  It was a privilege to listen to Dr. Jim O'Neill, president of ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism)  He is the 4th president we have known of this mission agency.  Someone is coming today to mow our yard.  Margie is not too keen on my starting that process like I used to do.  I still hope I can get back to doing it someday.  I must also get the Oldsmobile ready for sale.  It all takes time.  Thanks for praying. 

Sunday, April 13, 2014

ABWE and MORE NEWS

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

We yearn to be treated so well by all men,We expect it and go our way.
But Jesus reminds us again and again, to receive we give back, and not sway.(RP)

The caption of today's blog is ABWE.  This stands for Association of Baptists for World Evangelism.  Today at our church, we have the privilege of listening to Dr. Jim O'Neill, president of this mission agency.  Last night we were guests in our pastor's home, Dave Lunsford and wife Susan.  What a special time it was to meet Dr. O'Neill.  Today we will hear his message.  Margie and I had the privilege of serving with this fine group for 24 years.  
More exciting news
My brother Harold and his wife Marlene yesterday presented a check to us which covers the price of the car we recently received from our dear friend Iola Boyer.  We are overwhelmed and grateful for this unbelievable gift.  Our family has been so good to us and we thank God for their kindnesses shown us.  Margie had a good night for which we are thankful.  Thanks so much for praying. 


Saturday, April 12, 2014

SPEAKING

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

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 I speak to a men's group at a local church in town.  Then Margie will have a chiropractic adjustment.  I will do a little shopping while she is doing that.  This evening we have another appointment.  Our day will have plenty of activity, that's for sure.  Thanks so much for praying.  

Friday, April 11, 2014

IT'S FRIDAY

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 
Eph 2:13
Oh the power of the blood that brought us to the Lord,
We were far away, and his pleading had ignored. 
When Jesus paid the price to save us long ago, 
We realize now and every day how very much we owe.
His love to us overwhelms us and we bow to Him each day,
Thankful to Him for saving us and taking our sins away.(RP)

Each week we look forward to this day and our short trip to the Ferndale Activity Center where over 30 will gather for the Bible study in the book of Revelation.  The 6 tables fill quickly then others sit around the room against the wall.   We have a great time. 
I am trying to get our 1996 Oldsmobile ready for sale to help pay for the newer one we purchased last week.  It is a wonderful car and not a "ding" in it.  It looks great.  I just wish I hadn't bought new snow tires for it at the start of winter.  But that's the way life is.  Thanks folks for your prayers. 

Thursday, April 10, 2014

ENCOURAGING

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 

Casting means to "throw", so cast your care at Jesus' feet,
He will take that troubled heart and your every problem meet.
We are to give Him ALL our cares, it says so plainly here,
And when you do you'll soon find out that this will disappear.
(RP)

We were encouraged when talking with my former doctor the other day.  Margie had given his wife (Margie's doctor) a copy of our book "From a Canoe to a Chevy".  He remarked to us how much he appreciated the stories in the book.  Being a doctor, he has many books to read, but this one by their bed, he can read a chapter very quickly and enjoy our stories from Brazil.  It was rewarding to hear his story about the book.  I didn't realize when I wrote it that the short chapters were going to be a big hit.  I am grateful.   Thanks folks for praying. Margie has not been feeling real well  these last few days and appreciates your prayer support. 

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

PRAYER SHEET

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:33
Decision were made in different ways back in the Bible times,
Casting a lot in one's lap seems strange but so does flipping dimes.
In the good old days it worked this way: men wanted to do things God's way,
So when they cast lots, the decision was God's and that made the outcome okay.(RP)

Each Wednesday I work on the church prayer sheet items.  Tomorrow is prayer meeting and this sheet is included in the Sunday bulletin.  I receive some requests, the church office does also and then the pastor goes over them, sometimes adding even more to the matters for prayer.  Margie had a good night last night for which we are thankful.  She cut her finger, and is treating it this week.  We hope it heals soon so the pain is less.  Thanks for praying. My brother is here and he drops by in the late afternoon for a bite of food.  Tonight he is treating us to a meal at a restaurant.  He likes to do this.  And of course we also like it.  

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

DOCTOR

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.1 Pet 2:15

You may wonder sometimes what God wants you to do,
So look at this verse and learn a thing or two.
God expects us to work for Him each day,
And silence foolish men by the things we do and say.(RP)

Margie sees the sleep specialist today.  Everything apparently is going well, but this is a routine check-up of her and the machine she uses each night.  The rains have returned and it is a wet one out there today. Yesterday it was almost 70 degrees.  Everything is beautifully in bloom.  I will have to start cutting the grass real soon.  Thanks for praying. 

Monday, April 7, 2014

GREETINGS

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth   
II Tim 2:15

How eager are you dear Christian, to receive approval from God?
Are you diligent in this pursuit or do you put on a facade?
Don't be ashamed of your life, because you have missed a point,
Come to the Lord, without delay and let Him your life anoint
Study His Word and divide it right and you'll never be in doubt,
The result will be great and your life will overflow with a shout.(RP)

My brother arrived yesterday afternoon in time to give a good inspection of our "new" car.  He thought it was a beauty.  It is.  He enjoyed a piece of Margie's freshly baked coconut pie and a couple of my lattes, we visited and watched the Antique Roadshow and he went to his motel in Bellingham.  He will be here again this afternoon for a meal and more fellowship.  I will be working on my Bible class plus helping a person this afternoon with a project.  Thanks again for your prayers.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

SAFE TRIP

Hebrews 1:10 
And, You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain... 

We serve the Lord who made the earth and all the beauty seen,
The heavens are the work of His hands and all is lovely and clean.
One thing is sure and we are glad to report; all these things will pass,
But God remains and in sovereignty rules; we are thankful He will last. (RP)

We are praying my brother, Harold will have a safe trip to Seattle and Bellingham.  We are looking forward to his visit.  He will be very busy while in the area, but will come by in the late afternoon to visit and have a snack or meal.   We will be in church this morning, Lord willing.  Thanks for praying.  Your support is so much appreciated.  

Saturday, April 5, 2014

LOOKING FORWARD

John 14:15 
If you love Me, keep My commandments.

What compelling words from our Savior is this delightful verse,
It is simple and easily understood you see, and it is very terse.
If you follow Jesus and belong to Him, this is the verse for you,
Read the Word and delight, as His will you diligently pursue.(RP)

Margie and I look forward to Harold's arrival tomorrow afternoon. He will be coming to do a special project with a local utility company in our area.  Margie is preparing some things now for his meals.  Margie had pretty good night for which we are thankful.  I will be doing some study preparations for a talk I have been asked to give at a men's group next week.  Thanks for praying. 


Friday, April 4, 2014

REVELATION

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
2 Th 3:13

Sometimes we grow tired and weary, and we don't know what to do,
God tells us simply to not grow weary, but there's something else for you. 
By doing good is the source of our strength so don't give up my friend,
Just keep on plugging working for Him and full on Him depend. (RP)

As always, we look forward to the Bible class this morning.  We are in lesson 13 but just start chapter 6 in the lesson today.  We have an enjoyable time together.  The class is energetic, studious and want to learn the message of the Revelation.  Yesterday we finalized the transaction and now have a newer vehicle than before.  We are grateful for this newer car which is much easier for Margie to get in and out of.  Thank you for praying.  

Thursday, April 3, 2014

ACCESSIBILITY

Matthew 11:28 
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Come to me is Jesus' call, for those in need today,
He will solve your problem; do it without delay,
You have tried to go it alone, and are tired in the way,
Jesus has the answer for you now; put Him on display.(RP)

For many years, it has been increasingly difficult for Margie to get in and out of our car.  We purchased our car about 18 years ago and it has served us well.  Through a friend, we were offered a newer vehicle that is much easier for Margie to get in and out of.   We are in the process of making that transfer now.  We praise the Lord for the easier accessibility now.  Thanks so much for praying for Margie's health issues.  We appreciate this support.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

EXPECTATION

Psalm 5:3 
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.

Determined to speak to the Lord each day, the Psalmist wrote his vow,
And oh how special it was for him to declare just when and how. 
He desired to pray in the morning, and start his day just right,
Doing it this way was routine which gave him perfect delight. 
The focal point of his morning was God, as he looked to Him above,
And all through the day he was aware of one thing; his heavenly Father's love.(RP)

I talked to my brother Harold last night on Skype and to our delight, he is arriving in Bellingham Sunday afternoon to begin work on a project he already started months ago.  It will be nice to have him here while he completes this job.  The weather has been fabulous.  Yesterday the temperature was 60 degrees or above.  Amazing.  Margie had another good night for which we are glad.  Thank YOU for praying.  

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

TIME ZONE

Colossians 3:15 
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Man likes to be his own boss but God says His peace should rule,
If one decides to do it his own way, he certainly is a fool.
Let God's peace rule in your heart, and thankful you will be,
And your peace will be oh so sweet and His blessings you will see(RP)

Time zones make things different.  In Singapore, as I write this, the time is 10 PM.  It is my brother Ernie's 88th birthday.  I talked with him last night via Skype.  The connection was so good it seemed we were talking together in the family room.  Ernie and his wife have served the Lord 61 years in Singapore.  He taught a Bible class Tuesday night (his time) and is probably now watching the evening news at home.  He preaches each Sunday and counsels many pastors and laypersons who consult his wisdom.  Ernie reads this blog.  Happy Birthday again to you.  God bless you as you continue to serve the Lord.   Thanks for praying for us too.   We appreciate the prayer support.