Saturday, May 31, 2014

STARBUCKS

Philippians 2:3  
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

The easiest path is to want our own way, being selfish in all that we do,
But remember these words given long ago; read them and pursue.
In God's Word we are instructed to be humble, my friend; listen and obey, 
Esteeming others more than yourself, means you are doing things God's way.(RP)

Rawlie is here with us.  He arrived last night.  It is always nice having him here.  Nathan will be here later.  They will continue their work on the Vista house, preparing the lower level for occupancy, so they don't have to rent motel rooms when they come to Ferndale. Not a bad idea.  This morning we will have coffee at Starbucks before he starts his day.  I will probably drop by the garage sale at the church to see how things are going there with the young people's project.  Yesterday we saw quite a few cars there throughout the day. Again, thanks for your prayers, 

Friday, May 30, 2014

EXPECTATION

I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; 
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalms 89:1

What a promise to make today, as you talk to Him in prayer,
Giving praise for His love, because every burden He will bear.
Tell others of His faithfulness, the greatest story ever told,
Let all generations see His love, because His name you uphold. (RP)

Every Friday we are filled with expectation as we make final preparations for the Bible class.  It is quite remarkable to have that many senior citizens gathered for study.  We are thrilled for this privilege of teaching.  The class members are appreciative and so are we.  Yesterday Margie had a  permanent and in the afternoon we attended prayer meeting.  What a nice day it was.  Thanks for your part in our lives through prayer.  

Thursday, May 29, 2014

MORE ROOM

Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 
James 4:4

The choices we make are important indeed, and one should consider this,
Friendship with the world is foolish, and when done, an important thing you miss. 
When you choose the world instead of God, you have made a fatal mistake,
Being labeled an enemy of God, is a decision that no wise person should make.   
(RP)
Wow!  Now we have room in our garage.  It hasn't been this way for years.  We had a big garage sale last year, and yesterday we donated a "ton" of stuff to the young people's garage sale at our church.  It is so nice to have sufficient room to enter and exit the car now.  We won't know how to act.  I expect to do more work in the garage to make it an as attractive as possible.  Today I take Margie to the Hair Salon, and in the afternoon we attend prayer meeting at church.   Thanks for praying.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

MID-WEEK

If anyone among you thinks he is religious,and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.
James 1:26

People who think they are religious, can be tested by the tongue,
Their words will soon tell the story, and the arrow of guilt will be flung.
God's call to bridle the tongue, is the most important thing we can do,
Words soon tell the story of what's inside, and that, my friend, is true.(RP)

We have noticed many times how fast the middle of the week comes.  Here we are in Wednesday already.  Today our church is picking up the articles we have donated to the youth garage sale this week end.  It will be nice to have more room to enter and exit the car now.  Garages are for cars.  If we had another car, I would make room for it to be inside also.  In years past, we did have two parked in there. The rains have returned but we don't care.  Someone said in the Bible class, "When it rains, I don't havae to water the flowers".  How true.  We trust you have a good day.  Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

DELIGHTFUL TIME

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Ephesians 5:20

We tend to be a thankless lot as we travel here below,
If we could see things God's way, there's much we do not know.
Why not start today to thank Him, for everything in life,
We are sure you'll soon discover, that there will be less strife.(RP)

Yesterday our family was here working in one of their homes.  We invited them to come to our place and use our facility for their lunch.  Margie prepared some extra things they enjoyed much.  It was nice having them here for awhile.  They all went back to Stanwood in the late afternoon.  Today is back to normal schedules, even the the old folks.  Thanks for praying.  

Monday, May 26, 2014

MEMORIAL DAY

Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me. 
Psalm 27:11 

Believers need to be taught God's way, as they live from day to day, We call upon His name in prayer, so He will teach us along the way. We need to be lead by His strong hand, as we seek His will here,
And ours is the joy and assurance in prayer, that He is very near. (RP)

We watched a moving Memorial Day tribute to the fallen soldiers and those living who fought for our safety.  It was emotional and a great reminder of our debt of love and gratitude we owe these brave men and women.  Our son and grandson are still here with us and the rest of the family arrives today.  We hope to have lunch together.  Rawlie and I went for coffee this morning at Starbucks and then I did some shopping before returning home.  Thanks, dear friends, for praying. 

Sunday, May 25, 2014

WORSHIP

Hebrews 12:1 
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.

There are so many things that hinder, as we walk with Jesus each day,
We must ever be mindful of those things that slow us down, along the way.
Get rid of heavy weights and sinful things that bring unwanted delay,
Remembering always dear friend, if you carry these sins, you will pay.
Keep running with patience this race, encouraged by witnesses who've won,
And never give up on this journey, because Jesus will help ‘til your done.

We look forward to Sunday School and church today.  Our class time is so great as we study the book of Luke with our teacher, Chuck Heath.  In the morning service visiting former missionary Rocky Hartung will be the speaker.  Our pastor is away in Oregon for a wedding.  Our son and grandson are still here and we plan to have lunch together today.  We are happy they are here.  Thanks for praying.  

Saturday, May 24, 2014

REFRESHING RAIN

Romans 1:20 
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse...

When anyone looks at our universe great, and all that God has done,
He has to admit it was not by chance; our heavenly Father won.
The fact God exists is a fact well known, as we look around us today,
And men have no excuse to reject what He gives, no matter what they say(RP)

Right now it isn't raining but yesterday on ouir way to Bible class and afterwards, it really was a downpour.  It is refreshing.  One lady at the class remarked how much she appreciated it because she didn't have to water the plants.  Great idea.  Our son and grandson are here for the weekend, working on one of their homes in Ferndale.  I made them lattes this morning before they went to work.  The do like them!  And I enjoy making them.  Thanks for your prayers.  

Friday, May 23, 2014

RAIN

Ecclesiastes 1:14 
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

King Solomon's words penned long ago, express a solemn thought,
Man works so hard, and toils for much, and the energy spent is naught.
It's better to let God make our plans, and direct our way each day,
When He's in control of all we do, we are sure we are in the right way.(RP)

We have gone MANY days without rain.  During the night the reains returned and this morning I could hear the drops pounding on the roof as I started the day.  We are off to Bible study this morning.  It is one of the very enjoyable schedules we are privileged to have.  We never know who will be present in the class.  One man will be away on a trip to the east coast, and others have fragile health.  But we pray there will be a good group.  There usually is.  Thank you for praying.  We appreciate it. 

Thursday, May 22, 2014

HAIR AND PRAYER

John 10:10 
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

False shepherds enter and destroy sheep; their motives are impure,
Their actions,desires, and method of work, are all evil and unsure.
Jesus came to give life to the sheep, and keep them in His way,
And abundant life, so rich and free, is a gift for you today.(RP)

The headline is poetic today as we take Margie to the hairdresser this morning and in the afternoon, attend prayer meeting.  (Hair and prayer).  Yesterday we got the washing done, and she ironed, so is ahead of the game on today's schedule.  I am prepared also for the Revelation Bible study.  The day is beautiful and we thank you so much for your prayer support. 

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

REPORT

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. 
2 John 1:6 

There are so many definitions of LOVE in the world, which is the best for us?
True love obeys God in all that He's said, so do it and it'll be a plus.
What you have heard all your life, keep doing it along the way,
And God will bless and give victory, now and at the end of the day.(RP)

Yesterday I was able to get done the things I outlined in the blog.  Today I am washing clothes, Margie folds and irons.  I work on the prayer sheet for our church and continue my studies for the Bible class.  There never seems to be a dull moment.  We are glad of that because we have seen some seniors, who were apparently bored because there was nothing to do.   Thanks so much for praying. 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

STUFFED PEPPERS

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. 
Deu 10:17

Our Lord is great and unequaled by any, and above every ruler on earth,
And his value to us means more than all the gold in the world is worth.
God takes no bribes and in partial to none so respect this awesome One,
Fall at His feet and worship; His help is unending and He never can be outdone.(RP)

I haven't done stuffed peppers for a couple of weeks so will do that today.  All seem to enjoy them and I like to fix them.  I also want to get a haircut, and organize the things we want to donate to the young people's garage sale at our church.  So I think I have my day pretty well planned.  Of course one never knows how those things can change.   Thanks for praying.





Monday, May 19, 2014

ANOTHER WEEK

If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. 
1 John 1:7

A condition is placed on believers in Christ, we see it plainly here,
Only those who walk in His light will have fellowship; that is clear. Not only do we have fellowship with Him, but other believers too,
And that makes this walk a special one, for all to seek and do.(RP)

Sunday started the week and today the work begins.  We have several things pending on our schedule and we must start today in order to get them taken care of.  Utmost in our thinking is the class in Revelation which requires ample preparation by me and the class members.  Each of them receive a study sheet with questions for the next class session.  That keeps us all busy.  We also want to organize what's left of our garage sale unsold items, so we can donate them to the young people's garage sale at our church.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Sunday, May 18, 2014

CHURCH

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.

If your heart is in a frenzy, and you don't know what to do,
Just do what Paul wrote here, and God will see you through.
Anxiety has a good solution, and God gives it to us here,
Talk to God about your problem and the answer is very near.
Give all to Him in thankful prayer, and His peace will come to you.
And you find answers far surpassing, and His blessings, not a few.(RP)

We always look forward to Sunday morning and our Sunday School class and the morning service.  The study, fellowship and worship are all such a blessing.  It is nice having our son and grandson here.  We suppose Rawlie will be going home this afternoon.  Nathan will probably stay to continue his work on the Vista house. We thank kyou for praying for us. 

Saturday, May 17, 2014

SON & GRANDSON

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Psalm 18:30

Those who have trusted Jesus as Savior, know that God's way is best,
They know that in Him is wisdom supreme, and indescribable rest.
His Word is so sure and tested by all; in it is their road map each day,
The protection given for those who trust, is a shield for those who obey. (RP)


Rawlie and Nathan are here to do some work on one of their homes.  It is always nice having them around, although they are pretty busy and away from our house most of the time.  Our class yesterday was a blessing and a very good attendance.  We are pleased with the number of those who enjoy the study in Revelation.  The cooler weather returned, so no evaporation coolers are needed today.  We hear, however, that by mid week, they will be appreciated again. We'll see.  Thanks for praying. 

Friday, May 16, 2014

HIGHLIGHT

The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
Jeremiah 17:9

The heart of man is wicked indeed, God has told us so,
His level of sin exceeds everything that we have seen below.
Man will do anything in the world, just to have his own way,
And we see his sad state everywhere, it's openly on display.
The answer is Jesus who will save your soul, if you will come to Him,
He'll save  your soul, forgive your sins, and your life will no longer be dim.

We admit this day is the highlight of the week.  We love to go to Bible class.  It is encouraging when you see the good number of folks interested in the study of God's Word.  We have other items on our agenda for today also: some shopping, a visit to a friend, and if time permits do work on flower beds.   Thanks so much for praying. 

Thursday, May 15, 2014

COOLERS

The fool has said in his heart,There is no God.
Psalm 14:1

Those who deny the existence of God are robbing themselves of best,
And surely they'll miss eternal life, and that beautiful heavenly rest.
How foolish to think there is no God when you look at our vast universe,
To think of the millions of animals and plants; His world is so diverse.
Only a fool would say there's no God; he has marked himself for sure,
When life is over and He meets the One he denied, he'll know there is no detour.(RP)

In Arizona, my folks used"swamp coolers."  A better name is "evaporation coolers."  We got ours going again yesterday and it lowered the temperature in our room 8 degrees in no time.  That's a great change and the expense of these machines is minimal.  They are NOT air conditioners which take massive amounts of electricity. 
Rawlie and I made one in Brazil.  They are really nice, and even more so for those who live in warmer climates most the time.  We have a fairly busy schedule outlined for today.  Thanks for praying. 


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

REPORT

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?Then I said, Here am I! Send me.
Isaiah 6:8 

Isaiah set the pace for us when he offered himself to go,
To be enlisted in work for the Lord, is the greatest thing I know.
God wants to send you to the harvest fields, but will never force His way,
Volunteers are needed, and we know for sure that great dividends He will pay.(RP)

I just want to give a report on my writing yesterday.  I broke my own record, I guess, by finishing 10 complete chapters.  I have another to write today.  Now we have 100 for our new book.  I have no idea how many more I will do, but at least we are going through the jornals for more ideas.  Margie is doing this for me which I appreciate greatly.  She proofs what I write.  Then some day we will have them edited when sufficient funds are here.  Thanks for praying.


Tuesday, May 13, 2014

WRITING

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

Do you want to live your life God's way, then seek His wisdom each day,
That means you'll be living it His way, all along your God-ordained way.
It's great to commit all to Him, allowing Him to give direction we need,
And when done this way all the time, you know you'll have victory indeed.
Remember, God does not scold, when we ask for his guidance and plan,
What we need along the way He gives, and it's better than when we began.(RP)

Now things are back to almost normal, and I want to start writing again.  Margie is going through our journals, writing seed thought ideas for me to work on as I get "inspired" about a particular subject. Last night I was meditating on ideas and hopefully today I can put them in print.  I have about 90 stories written thus far about our years representing Shepherds.  I have no idea how many I'll finish with.  Thank you for praying for us.  We appreciate it. 

Monday, May 12, 2014

NEW WEEK

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. 
Psalm 119:11

The Word of God is precious, and does so much for us,
Daily guidance for all needs,and to each problem helps us adjust,
I'm so glad we have the Bible,helping us grow in Him each day,
And the food for thought so helpful, in our trials along the way.
This Book will bring great comfort to your heart each day you read,
And His word memorized in your heart, will keep you from sin indeed.(RP)

We know that each week is a new one, but I think about this each Monday.  Today (or actually it was Sunday) I start a new one.  Yesderday we had such a delightful time.  We were honored to have our son and his family here, and even attend our church service where I preached.  They entertained us for Mother's Day, and Margie was delighted with all the humbling remarks and cards received.  I have quite a few things on the list "to do", so must get to them right away.  Our grandson Nathan is also with us.  Thanks so much for your prayer support.  

Sunday, May 11, 2014

MOTHER'S DAY

I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel.
Judges 5:7

Deborah was a mother indeed to many in Israel that year,
A prophetess God used, to take away the people's fear.
She led her people well, and wrote poetry to celebrate it all,
Those who read will know, how she helped the great and small.
We honor mothers today, and all they mean to us,
Some are here, and others are gone, but for us they are a plus.
Pray for mothers today who may not know the Lord, 
Ask God to save their souls, and receive His great reward. (RP)

A Happy Mother's Day!  I have the privilege of preaching today on the subject matter of the above poem which I just wrote.  We look forward to a great time with family after church at a local restaurant and later here at home for dessert.  We pray this will be a wonderful day for you all.   Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, May 10, 2014

BAKING

Psalm 119:103 
How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Your words oh God are sweet to me, how I love to read your Book,
Help me each time I examine it, at my Savior to take a look,
Your words are sweeter than honey to me;they satisfy my soul,
I want you to fill me with Your power and love, to have me in your control.(RP)

Yesterday Margie did some baking.  She is getting ready for the time our family will be here after they treat Margie and the other mothers to a meal at a local restaurant tomorrow.  She is going to do some more today also.  I put the finishing touches to my Mother's Day message today.  I hope to get some other things done around the house before the day ends.  Part of Rawlie's family will be arriving today, and he and Ben will come tonight.   Thanks for praying.

Friday, May 9, 2014

GRANDSON

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
(Psalms 37:4)
What a marvelous recourse we have in the Lord, His love is so special to us,
We cannot contain all the blessings He gives; for the believer it is such a great plus.
We delight in the Lord as He tells us to do, giving  us more than we ever deserve,
And this gives us such pleasure to keep close to the Lord and earnestly try to serve.(RP)

We received a call from Nathan last evening asking if he could stay at our house.  He arrived and we had a nice visit before bedtime.  He apparently is here to do some work on a rental home.  Yesterday I took Margie for her hair appointment and we attended prayer meeting in the afternoon. This morning we look forward to the Bible study at the Ferndale Senior Activity Center.  We are hoping for a good attendance.  Thanks for praying.  

Thursday, May 8, 2014

LAUNDRY

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
2 Tim.4:2     

God's command is strong and straight in the things He would have us do.
We better take heed to His words and diligently learn to pursue.
When the Word is preached by faithful ones and taught in a meaningful way,
Many things take place in the hearers, we're told, so it behooves us to readily obey.
Be ready is the word and longsuffering is required of those who faithfully preach,
They will receive very much in reward and look at how many they reach. (RP)

Laundry and cleaning day is always a busy one around our place.  Margie does the bathrooms and I do the floors.  I wash the clothes, she folds them and today will probably do the ironing.  If she can't then I do it.  This along with our preparations for Mother's Day and Bible class on Friday, keeps us out of mischief.  Thanks so much for your prayer support. 

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

FOOT DOCTOR

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.

Yesterday Margie had the routine work done at the foot doctor and we were on our way home soon.  We stopped at a vegetable and fruit stand for some staples and after stopping in Ferndale for a couple of items, were back home.  I have been working ahead getting ready for the Bible class and also studying for a Mother's Day message.  We attended a missionary meeting at our church yesterday also.  Today I will be submitting the weekly prayer sheet to the church secretary which will be inserted in the Sunday bulletin, and used at the prayer meeting tomorrow afternoon.   Thanks so much for praying. 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

GOOD REPORT

Luke 17:6 
So the Lord said, If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

We seem to shy away from truth on how to trust in God,
Others may say we're nuts, and do things very odd.
Jesus says in words clear and plain, that faith is very real,
When exercised by true faith in Him, is something ideal.
We do not have to uproot trees to exercise our trust,
Faith in Him is a requirement, and for all an absolute must.(RP)

Yesterday's retina specialist appointment was a blessing.  Dr. Subong said that her eyes were better than the last three reports.  We rejoice in that. He gave another injection in her eye.  She has had 8 of them so far.  Thank you for praying.  

Monday, May 5, 2014

RETINA

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

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)

Margie sees the retina specialist this morning.  This is always a crucial visit when they test her eyes for a progress report on the condition of her macular degeneration.  She almost always will have an injection in the eye at the conclusion of the consultation.  While in town we will pick up some necessary items at the stores.  Yesterday was a blessed day as we fellowshipped with Tim and Esther Neufeld. (Retired missionaries from Togo, West Africa.)  Thanks for your prayers, 

Sunday, May 4, 2014

MISSIONARY

 I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.
Psalm 16:8-9

Have you positioned the Lord in your life today? Is He before you right now?
Those who do this can say without doubt, that this is their decision and vow.
Stability in Christ is our treasure, and our hearts are rejoicing and glad,
Whatever our portion,the future is sure, and better than anything we had.(RP)

This morning we have the privilege of listening to our friend Tim Neufeld (wife Esther)in the morning service.  The Neufelds served over 40 years as missionaries to Togo, West Africa.  We have known them for years and we served under the same mission agency: Association of Baptists for World Evangelism.  They are now retired from their service overseas, but continue in their ministry with churches they visit to bring updates of what is going on in Togo. Tim was able to see the groundwork and much construction on the Wendell Kempton hospital in Mango, and years before this, the hospital in the south of Togo.  They were active for years in church planting ministries. Margie and I look forward to seeing them today.  Thanks for your prayers. 

Saturday, May 3, 2014

BELL PEPPERS

Can anyone hide himself in secret places,so I shall not see him says the Lord.Do I not fill heaven and earth says the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:24
People think they can hide from God as they live and work and play,
But nothing escapes the eyes of God; for Him, everything's on display.
God fills heaven and earth, and nothing escapes his omniscient view,
So understand, my friend who reads this, He is looking at you. (RP)

Ever since Margie was hospitalized one time in Bellingham, I have been making stuffed peppers.  She gave me the recipe and so now I do it all the time.  It's about the only thing I know how to cook. But our family really enjoys them.  I also take them to some folks who we know appreciate receiving them.  So when I finish this I will begin my Saturday delight of making 10 more of those delicious peppers.  Margie is on the phone now making her regular Saturday ministry calls to different women around the country.  Again, we thank you for praying.  


Friday, May 2, 2014

BEAUTIFUL

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Eph 6:4
God tells us how to train the children the only perfect way,
Just follow His rules, and the end result will surely pay,
Don't exasperate your children to the point they hate you so,
Firmly train them in God's ways so that each His love will show.(RP)

Yesterday and today the weather has been good.  No coats yesterday and I doubt if we will use them today either.  It is great! We are off to the Bible class this morning.  It is our enjoyable day of the week at the Ferndale Activity Center.   The activity today, however, is the book of Revelation.  We will go Fred Meyers after the class and exchange an item we purchased Monday there.  Then home for one of our favorite meals of the week- pizza.  The National Day of Prayer went well yesterday and Margie and I had a couple of time slots on the hosting calendar.  Thank YOU for praying.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, 
it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, 
I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:19-20

What a wonderful promise is given us in this very special verse; 
It speaks of prayer and answers our God will surely disperse.
And the best of all you don't need a crowd for God to meet you today.
Just come to him with two or three and He'll hear you as you pray.(RP)

Today is National Day of Prayer.  We pray many will spend some time in intercessory prayer for our nation and world.  We need it.  We will be spending part of the day at church for this special day.  Margie and I thank you for your prayers for us.  They are much appreciated.