Anticipation

Psalm 27:14 

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, 

And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! 

We live in a hurry-up world; people don't take time to stop,

They do their things, and like to play, work and shop.

God says wait upon Him as we go about our day,

Doing this will be wise and definitely will pay.

Be courageous Christian, and do His command,

Your heart will be strong,and you will learn firsthand.(RP)

We look forward with anticipation to the Bible class today.  We never know who will be there, but we pray there will be at least 30 or more,  We had a good day yesterday, especially attending the afternoon prayer meeting at church.  It is always a blessing. We have more activities today and we will mention them perhaps tomorrow. Thanks for praying. 

Good report

Matthew 11:28 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Jesus calls sinners to come to Him for salvation He freely gives,

He will give you what's needed and He also your sins forgives.

Sinners are welcome right now as He calls; for you He has the best,

You can be sure your life will be blessed with His wonderful peace and rest.(RP) 

The Dr. gave a good report about my two bionic knees he "installed" 10 years ago.  The x-rays, he said, revealed they look like he just put them in yesterday.  We are thankful for the good report.  Late in the afternoon yesterday, our good friend Armond Daws treated us to a meal at Anthony's.  What a delightful time and delicious meal. Thank you for your prayers. 

Knee checkup

Ps 20:7 

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; 

But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

The world trust things that are temporal and programs that surely defraud,

But the glorious recourse we have, is to remember the Lord our God.(RP)

This morning I go to have the 10 year exam of my bionic knees.  They have treated me well these years, and Dr. Thorpe will determine how well he thinks they done.  We have a busy schedule for today but we are grateful we can still move around and get them done.  Thanks for praying 

Next step

Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again .. but the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. 

John 4:13-14

The spiritual water that Jesus gives, satisfies and saves the soul,

It satisfies more than anything and makes all who receive it, whole.

Refreshment from God never has an end; it keeps coming all the time,

This life in Christ is a blessing, my friend, that is precious and sublime(RP)

Margie's ultrasound yesterday lasted only about fifteen minutes or less.  We were surprised.  This report will be sent to her surgeon who will contact us and make a date for surgery.  Today we meet with Margie's siblings for a meal.  With illness in our midst, we cherish these moments, not knowing how many are still available in future days. Thanks so much for praying. 

Ultrasound

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God's love is greater than anything, nothing can change its course, 

Nothing can modify this love, which is rooted in Him as its source.

Thank God in Christ Jesus we are secure; no separation for His own,

And with Him by your side, oh what comfort to know you are not alone.(RP)

Today Margie has an ultrasound to determine the information needed by the surgeon concerning the hernia.  Hopefully with that information, scheduling can be completed for surgery day.  We really appreciate your prayers about this.  Yesterday we spent a delightful day with Jon Wright, missionary to Vienna, Austria.  His wife  (Suxanne) was not able to travel due to illness. We admire the Wright's ministry which is complex and reaches into many ethnic situations. Thanks so much for praying.

Missionaries

Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Colossians 1:10

There is much in this world we do not know, especially about spiritual things, 

But when we increase our knowledge of God, real joy to our heart it brings.

Believers who seek Him with all their hearts, walk worthy of the Lord we know,

Our service for Him is considered good work, and His love to others we show.(RP)

Today at our church we are privileged to have Jon & Suzanne Wright, missionaries in Vienna, Austria (and several other places as well)  We have not seen them in years.  Jon with his parents were missionaries in the general area of where we used to serve in Brazil.  We have known them for years.  We know both sets of their parents well and Suzanne's (Pastor and Mrs. Jensen) will be with us today.  We look forward to the blessings the Lord has in store for us today.  Thanks for praying.

Fog

Psalm 86:10 

For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.

Words are inadequate to describe our God; He is the greatest of all,

And His love extends to all mankind, no matter great or small.

God's works are beyond comprehension; for this we praise His name,

We gladly take our stand, and His great name to others proclaim.(RP)

The thick fog probably tells us the day will be filled with sunshine.  What a great prospect.  We are thankful for a warm house and the measure of health He has given us.  Today, I plan to make stuffed green peppers and distribute them to others.  We will enjoy a couple of them for our lunch.  We trust you have a good day.  Thanks for praying. 

Revelation

And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

Help me to live for You today in such a special way,

That others will know without a doubt in my life, He is on display(R.P.)

Revelation is the key word today.  We go down the hill in a couple of hours to the Ferndale Senior Center.  We look forward to a good attendance today.  There is an interest in the study of the Biblical book.  Yesterday was well-spent as we attended the afternoon prayer meeting at church.  The weatherman announced this morning that the roads are slick with ice.  In the lowlands there is fog.  Thanks for your prayers.  

Writing

John 14:27 

 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; 

not as the world gives do I give to you. 

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

God gives us peace and leaves it with us too,

And it comes every day as a blessing, fresh and new.

With His peace we are not troubled, and we should never fear,

But trust Him wholly with our lives, and all doubt will disappear.(RP)

Thankfully I was able to do more writing yesterday along with getting the clothes washed.  Margie folded and ironed and she was able to do more research in journals for more ideas for stories.  I also printed all the study notes for the Bible class on the book of Revelation.  I also succeeded in getting the audio under control for the classes in Revelation I have recorded.  Life is busy and we are glad.  Thanks for praying. 

Quick trip

The LORD is my light and my salvation; 

Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life;

 Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1 

The Lord for us is many things, but light and salvation are supreme,

Before we walked in darkness and all was dreary and upstream,

Then we met the Savior, and he gave new hope for sure,

And oh how great it is to have Him, and be saved and so secure.

He is now our strength for living, and with Him we are not afraid,

So march on dear Christians, and do not be dismayed.(RP)

Not too much to report today.  Yesterday I went to the audiologist in Bellingham so the could look at the left ear hearing device which was not responding.  I had tried everything to get it going, with no success.  Because it is a high tech machine, the specialist in a jiffy had it repaired and I was on my way home.  I know the old adage, "you get what you pay for" many times is true.  I am very thankful for this new set of machines that help me.  Margie awaits patiently the ultrasound on Monday to determine the nature of her hernia, then we will find out the day of surgery.  Thanks for praying about this.  We appreciate it. 

Now we know

This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 

Each day is a gift from God, how we thank Him for it today,

As we move about our business, let's never forget to pray,

Thank God for all your blessings and be glad for what He's given,

And most of all give praise because you are saved and forgiven.(RP)

The doctor's appointment yesterday revealed Margie will have to have hernia repair.  She goes for an ultrasound on the 27th.  We appreciate your prayer for her.  She is in quite a bit of pain.  Thanks for praying.  We appreciate it. 

New pain

They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.  Psalm 36:8

In the presence of the Lord there is fullness to enjoy,

Oh how special to be there where no troubles can annoy.

Come drink today from His river with the pleasures freely given,

And a heart so joyously happy, because your sins are all forgiven.(RP)

Margie has an appointment with her doctor this afternoon concerning a new pain which concerns her,  We are praying she will be able to offer some help.  We are not looking forward to more surgeries, but that may be the solution.  We will keep you informed as we learn more.  Thanks so much for praying.

Foggy

Luke 6:41 

And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?

It's so easy to find fault in others, we seem to do it every day,

But here we have a warning, and the principle we should obey.

When you think others are failing, remember to look in the mirror,

Ask His forgiveness right now, and by Him always stay nearer.(RP)

Boy it is foggy out there!.  We will carefully go down the hill to church in 45 minutes from now.  We look forward to the Sunday School hour and then the worship time.  We don't have any other plans for the day at this point.  Yesterday I was able to work more on Revelation studies, and do some more writing.  I now have 56 stories written.  We trust you all have a blessed day and we thank you for your prayers.

One day at a time

1 Thessalonians 5:18 

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

We are prone to be thankless in so many things and most of you will agree.

He does not ask us to be thankful FOR these things, but IN them; do you see?

God's will for us is to be thankful, IN the trials we face every day,

What a joy it is to be thankful, and from the heart His will obey.(RP)

Have you noticed that although there is always plenty to do, sometimes we just have to take things one day at a time.  We always have plenty to do.  Today I will be doing more work on our Revelation studies.  I received a new book yesterday and am excited to look at it.  I also have to keep ahead with the study guides we distribute each Friday in the class.  I usually fixed stuffed peppers on Saturday but we failed to buy any this week, so that won't be done.  Margie is on the phone with a friend.  She has a ministry of calling on Saturday.  Thanks for your prayers.

Anticipation

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 

1 John 5:11

Eternal life is a gift from God that anyone can claim,

You must decide and desire this, and call upon His name.

Jesus died so we would have this gift, it's open for you now,

Just call upon His name in prayer, and at His feet humbly bow.(RP)

We look forward to the Bible class each Friday.  Last week we had a full room of people.  More said they were coming today.  We are pleased. Yesterday we appreciated the prayer meeting at our church.  We know the Lord takes delight in corporate prayer by His people. There are so many things to pray about, what a privilege to be there with others with the same interests. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday schedule

Psalm 16:8 

I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

When the Lord is rightly placed in your life, your days will be blessed indeed,

He will be with you through thick and thin and he promises to meet your need.

So resolve to give Him first place in your life, as you face your duties this day,

And you will stand firmly with the Lord at your right, helping you along life's way.(RP)

Our schedules get to be monotonous, I guess, for most people.  I will take Margie to the hairdresser, stop at the bank for a deposit, visit the grocery store, drop in at the Dollar Tree, and pick up Margie and go home.  After lunch at 1:30 we will head down the hill for prayer meeting at the church.  All this takes a pretty big chunk out of the day.  With the remaining time, I will study, write and then it will be time for supper.  That's the way the day goes.  Thanks for praying.  

"To do" list

Hebrews 2:18 

For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Jesus knows our every weakness, He's acquainted with our woes,

He was tempted and suffered so much, and took so many blows,

But in every temptation that faced Him, never once did he succumb,

So He knows exactly how to help us when those problems come.(RP)

Our list of things we must do today is filled.  I have started early so we can get a head start on them.  Margie is still in bed but will awaken soon.  I will remake the beds and get the washing started.  This helps her a lot.  Other things will occupy our day as well but I won'td bore oku with details.  We appreciate your prayers for us.

Good report

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.

Psalm 19:7

God's law is always right, He tells us so right here,

He who obeys that law, will be saved, and that is clear.

Jesus came to save sinners, and He calls them even now,

He saves every person, who will come and humbly bow.(RP)

The eye specialist reported that Margie's eyes are the same. We are pleased her condition is not worse.  He gave another injection into the eye.  That usually causes some discomfort after the fact, which she indeed had the rest of the day. She had a very good night for which we are happy.  Today it is more of the same: study for Bible class, work around the house, and trying to find time to write some more stories.  Thank you friends, for praying.

Eye specialist

James 4:6-7  But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

God gives what we do not deserve, His grace is sufficient for me,

The humble receive this with thanks,but the proud do not agree.

Let us always submit to the Lord, thus resisting the devil each day,

And we know that our enemy hates this, and will flee from us right away.(RP)

This morning Margie will see the retina specialist regarding her eye problem.  We will see if he decides to put another injection in her eye like he has done each time we go.  Her eyesight is more or less stable, but she is losing some ability to see objects at a distance.  She reads with a special lens at times and does quite well.  We are grateful for sight and pray always it will improve, or at least stay the way it is and not get worse. Thank you so much for praying. 

Worship & study

One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.Psalm 27:4

What joy it is to think of God's house as we worship and pray today,

Just think of those who have no concern, that you meet along the way,.

We love God's house and should tell Him so, as we talk to him in prayer,

And be willing each day to tell others, as with them His love we share.(RP)

Lord willing we will be going down our hill here in Ferndale, to church.  In Sunday School we are studying the book of Luke.  What a great study it is.  Our pastor just started a series on the book of Corinthians.  Our son and his family will drop by sometime this afternoon after attending a birthday celebration for one of Gina's relatives.  It will be nice to see them.  Thank you for praying.

Full room

Luke 6:37 

Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Judging is done so easily, without a thought of what God thinks,

But be sure of one thing my friend, at this thing God never winks,

The same is true of condemning, which believers should never do,

Let God take care of these details; this problem He will review.

And forgiveness is part of our living, make room for it in your life,

And God will forgive you also, when there is tension and strife.(RP)

Yesterday at Bible class there was a full room.  People are interested in the book of Revelation.  We were pleased with the attendance.  More should be there next week.  Today there is a wind storm out there.  Wind velocity of 50 m.p.h. are predicted.  We are glad it was not as bad yesterday when the garbage cans were on the street for pick up.  That's the day we usually get the winds.  We plan to take it easy today.  I hope to do some more writing, and Margie continues her research in the journals.  Thanks so much for your prayers,

New study

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8

The devil is busy as usual today, seeking to ruin your life,

His business is that, and he works hard, causing much strife.

Think seriously about these things, and keep yourself pure,

And be quick to seek God's help when the enemy tries to lure. 

Vigilance pays off when you are concerned about these things,

The Lord gives victory always when our heart to Him strongly clings. (RP)

We start a new study today, Lord willing, on the book of Revelation. Several members of the class desired to delve into this book.  So here we are.  In a few hours we will assemble to start this intriguing study of one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible.  We sincerely thank you for praying for us now and always. 

Hair & prayer

For we walk by faith, not by sight.  II Corinthians 5:7

God leads His children differently, more than any other you could name,

He asks us to trust Him fully; this walk by faith we proclaim. 

We like to see where we are going, but God's way is best for us,

Walking by faith, trusting our lives to His care, is for each one a plus.(RP)

What a combination of words: hair and prayer.  That is our agenda for the day.  There are other things we'll do, of course, but those are the principal ones. Margie can no longer do her hair, because she is limited in her arm movements.  That's why we do each Thursday to the beauty shop.  We always enjoy the afternoon prayer meeting and although few attend we know it is honoring to the Lord as we meet for prayer.  We trust you all have a great day.  Thanks for praying

Wash day

Proverbs 15:3 

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good

God watches each one whether good or bad, and knows exactly what they do,

Some may not believe this, but that's okay, but believe me, it is very true. 

To know God cares so much for us, should change our view of things,,

We pray all who do not know Him yet, will crown Him King of Kings.(RP)

We get into routines each week.  Today was the day to change the bed linens, shower and spend the next few hours doing the week's laundry.  This saves Margie going up and down the steps into the garage where the machines are.  I can still do it easily, even with the bionic knees that are over 10 years old.  I hope also to stuff some green peppers this morning and distribute some of them to those less fortunate than we are.  We always enjoy doing this.   Margie will be busy folding and ironing clothes.  Thanks for praying.

Prayer

Joshua 1:9 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Each day we are challenged by foes from without, trying to upset our way,

God gives us here words strong and clear, with courage and strength for today.

His strength gives courage as we live for Him, and he removes our fears,

And as we look back over His leading us, we see it's been this way for years.

So stand tall dear Christian for the Lord today, He is with you all the way,

And that means His word can be relied upon, today and every day.(RP)

We are impressed with the number of requests received daily for prayer.  In our church there are several and from calls and emails, we receive more.  We trust that we all are sensitive to the needs of so many.  I know Margie and I appreciate more than words can tell your prayer support for us.  

More writing

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.Psalm 16:11

Come to the Savior He'll show you the way: eternal life itself,

When He is Lord what a difference it is; you'll see it for yourself.

In Christ there is joy and pleasures, when in His presence you stand,

So trust Him today and find out for yourself, then you will understand.(RP)

We had a more leisurely day yesterday after church.  Last night we were pleased to be able to Skype Siang, in Singapore and later my brother Harold in Anchorage.  What a blessing this service is. One would think they are sitting right there in the room with us visiting.  The connections are so amazing when you realize how far away Singapore is.  Today Margie will be going through the journals for information as I write more about past travels.  Thanks for your prayer support.

Off to church we go

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8

God looks for his people who will walk by faith, obeying His every command,

Taking them to places He chooses, following faithfully what is planned.

By-faith walkers go,not knowing end results; they are only asked to obey,

At the end of the journey an inheritance stands, all because they did not delay.(RP)

We look forward to our trip down the short hill to church this morning.  It is a cold Sunday morning, but very unlike most parts of the country. It is only 32 degrees F. here.  In comparison to some parts of the land, that's a "heat wave."  Yesterday we had a surprise visit from our son and grandson who came to Ferndale to tow a truck back to Stanwood.  It was nice having them here for a couple of  hours before the two truck arrived.  Thanks for your prayers.

More studies

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,I Timothy 4:1

Alarmed we should not be, when we read of such a dreadful thing,

God's Spirit has warned us before of that which the last days bring.

It's sad to see those who have tasted God's grace,depart from it,

We pray they will change their way, and to our Savior submit.(RP)

Next Friday we begin our study in the book of Revelation.  I have several studies written for distribution to students. I want to keep ahead of this because some have already questioned if this study is going to be difficult.  I don't believe it is.  So, I will be working more on these today.   We had a delightful time yesterday when we met at a restaurant with Margie's siblings for lunch.  More and more we cherish these times. The weatherman predicts a colder time these next days.  Thank you for your prayers,  

End of Philippian study

Psalm 47:1-2 

Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!  For the LORD Most High is awesome; 

He is the King over all the earth;God's children see it every day,

His goodness and grace and loving care, is always on display.

Our God is awesome, beyond what mortal man can describe,

Honor,praise,glory, and worship, we to Him now ascribe(RP)

We conclude our study in the book of Philippians this morning, and move on to the book of Revelation next Friday, Lord willing. We look forward to this.  Yesterday we enjoyed the afternoon prayer meeting at church.  The rains were persistent, but we are used to this. The weatherman says it will be colder tomorrow.  We'll see. 

Thank you friends, for praying. 

Good start

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 

Lamentations 3:22-23

The mercy of God is a wondrous thing, we cannot understand,

Believers in Christ experience it, because they see it firsthand. 

God loves,protects, and cares, because His compassions fail not.

And this keeps happening in our lives, because He loves us a lot.

Thank God for each morning that comes, a reminder of His great love,

His faithfulness is beyond comprehension, all from our Father above..(RP)

Yes, the New Year got off to a good start.  We were privileged to have our son here for part of it.  We enjoyed a coffee time at Starbucks and enjoyable times at home as well.  A kind man from somewhere fixed the mailboxes on our street that had been knocked down inadvertently by someone.  Her husband came to repair the damage, and did a masterful job.  We appreciate it.  Today's schedule is already filled, as usual.  Thanks for your prayer support. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

1 Chronicles 16:11 

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

What a wonderful goal for this new year is the verse before us today,

Let us seek the Lord and His strength, as we move around each day.

We are weak and need His help everyday as we live down here below,

So depend on Him for your daily needs, and His love to others show.(RP)

We pray this year will be a blessing to you as you walk and talk with the Lord. May you and your family be well and thank Him for the blessings of life. We treasure your friendship and pray your year will be a blessing to you.  Thanks so much for praying.