Monday, August 31, 2015

CHURCH AT HOME

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He ponders all his paths. 
Proverbs 5:21

God is watching over things, and nothing escapes His eyes,
No matter what a man attempts, God is never taken by surprise.
He ponders every path we take, and knows exactly what we do,
Some day,He will reveal to us things we never imagined He knew.
In light of this dear friend, don't you think you better get things right,
Invite Jesus to be your Savior, and things will be okay in His sight.(RP)

Yesterday's schedule was different. We were ready to go to church and learned there would be no services because the electricity was off.  We stayed home an watched church programs on the TV. We watched several of them. At lunch we met our son and daughter-in-law in Bellingham and had a very nice time. Our son drove us home in our car and Gina attended a wedding shower in town. Later she came to our house and after a nice visit, they returned to their home in Stanwood, WA.  It was a lovely day. Today it is windy and raining.  Our lights went out for just 1/2 hour this morning. We hope that is the end of the outage for us. But MANY are still out after Saturday's heavy windstorm. Thanks for praying.  

Sunday, August 30, 2015

BLACKOUT

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 

Our position in Christ is a justified one by faith in His work for us,
When we opened our lives and invited Him in to give us His perfect peace.
Oh how wonderful it is have such delights and the assurance of eternal life,
And a Savior who cares so deeply for us and that surely will never cease.(RP)

Yesterday the storm did a lot of damage. We escaped, thankfully, but many have it rough. Even today some are still in darkness without electricity. Margie and I were all ready to go to church and Sunday School when we received the word that our church is without electricity.  It was to be a special day with our pastor just returned from Asia, and Catherine Russell from Thailand, jointly giving reports of their ministries. Then a planned luncheon after church was how the morning was to end.  That is all cancelled now. At our house we have not had a power outage like many other places. We do have a generator and our son called me to run through the routine of how to hook it up to the house wiring system which his neighbor did for us several years ago. Fortunately we have not had to do it all, even though today they promise another high wind and rainy day. At this point all is calm. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, August 29, 2015

MORE OF THE SAME

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 
Romans 12:2

It is so easy to get in a rut and act and talk like most of the lost,
But remember dear friend, doing this will certainly have a cost,
God commands us to be transformed by the renewing our mind,
Don't forget to do this and be as those who are spiritually behind.
When you don't conform to the world and are transformed, it's great,
You will prove that the acceptable and perfect will of God is first rate.(RP)

Heavy winds and rain are part of the weather forecast today. It is refreshing to have the moisture again. It has been dry a long time. I sent a welcome text to our pastor who was returning from Asia and he responded by saying he was at LAX airport.  It was 7:08 when he sent the text. We have no idea when he got home. This feels like a lazy day. I think we will help it by doing the same thing. Thanks for your prayers.

Friday, August 28, 2015

RAIN

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:May they prosper who love you.Psalm 122:6

Israel like all places is loved by God,but it has a special place,
We are to pray for Jerusalem, and upon it He will pour His grace.
God promises a certain prosperity for those who love this land,
And this blessing will come to all who lovingly follow His command.(RP)

During the night it started to rain. There is not a lot of it, but it seems to be sprinkling. It has been a long since we really had a good soaking. We hope it happens this time. As I write, Margie is still in bed, which makes me think she did not have a good night. We will soon know when she wakes up. Our pastor returns today from his ministry trip to Asia. Our church missionary, Catherine Russell returned from Thailand Tuesday. Sunday they both will give a report to the church. That will be great. Thanks to all you friends for your prayers. We appreciate them.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

PREPARATION

Mark 16:15 
And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

The great commission has been given us, we know what needs to be done,
Christians must go to the lost everywhere, and preach til the battle is won. 
We are not sent to just anyone, but God's command is for all the earth,
Because He knows each person there, and for sure how much they are worth.
So believers in Jesus, heed the command,and go to a lost world in need,
Telling sinners that there is hope in Christ,and only with Him will they succeed.(RP)

We are in the countdown mode now for the start of the Bible class Sept 4. A week from tomorrow it starts. I am prepared with the lessons, but yesterday spent some time making  a new attendance record sheet. Margie does that part at the study which I appreciate very much. This morning I redressed the wound on Margie's ankle. Tuesday we go for the next check up at the Wound Healing Center. Today is Margie's hair day and in the afternoon we go to prayer meeting. Thanks for praying.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

TREATMENT

He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Prov 10:4.

The facts are here in language clear about how some people are poor,
They are this way because of laziness and of this you can really be sure. 
The diligent man has enough to eat 'cause he's not afraid of work,
And he uses wisely his time you see and his duties he does not shirk.(RP)

Margie went through the Wound Healing Center yesterday and the first visit was about two hours long. They thoroughly checked her and examined her wound and took a biopsy. A good part of this process was that the same doctor who performed a hernia repair for Margie years ago, was the doctor in charge yesterday. A Christian doctor and we had a wonderful time visiting with him. After this we had a late anniversary meal together, shopped for a few things, and went home. We had been gone 5 hours from home. The smoky weather cleared considerably and for this we are thankful, especially for those who have breathing and allergy problems. Thanks so much for your prayers. 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

WOUND CLINIC

Is not My word like a fire says the LORD, And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
Jeremiah 23:29

God describes to us the power of His word and all it can do,
Like a fire it takes our lives and burns out sin, and makes us new.
His word like a hammer breaks our stubborn wills and sets us free,And the results are so rewarding that all who know us can really see.(RP)

Margie is getting herself ready for our trip to the Wound Clinic this morning.  I am filling out the paper work for her. We are praying they will be able to get this pressure ulcer healed and she will be okay. The weather is definitely cooler in the morning. A little heat feels good. We are in the countdown now for our Bible class- just ten more days.  Several have voiced their desire for the restart of the class. We are pleased to hear this. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, August 24, 2015

UNEXPECTED

Here am I! Send me. 
Isaiah 6:8

God is looking for those who will serve Him; will you heed His call today?
Tell Him you're ready to go where ever He desires, and you will not delay.
When God sends workers, they are the best; He equips and prepares, 
And we who are left behind, support them with their needs and our prayers.(RP)

Last night Margie tried to get out of her lift chair and all of a sudden her knee hurt so badly that we didn't know what to do. After applying some pain relieving salve, she went to bed and medicated and finally had a fairly good night. One never knows how these bodies are going to react. We had a good morning at church. The afternoon was leisurely. We contacted Lonnie about the air pollution, to see if she was okay. Fortunately she was. The fires have pretty well filled the entire state with a layer of smoke. Those with breathing problems or allergies, suffer the most. Thanks for praying.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

AIR POLUTION

Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Prov 8:32 

Wisdom speaks clearly right here to us, to keep her ways each day,
And those who do will be blessed indeed for they have learned to obey.
So listen to wisdom dear friend, as you read God's holy Word.
It's the only reliable counsel you'll get and the best thing you have heard(RP)

We received an email from a close friend last night that the smoke filled air was almost too much for her. She suffers serious allergies. She had some temporary help to help filter the air but the doctor would not prescribe oxygen so her friend was with her in case she had to go to E.R. during the night.  We pray she will be okay. We did not detect this problem up her on the hill out of Ferndale. Yesterday part of our family was here for a visit. It was nice to see them. We look forward to church this morning. A guest speaker will be there. We know him from our missionary and Shepherds travels. His name is Curt Bidwell.  Thanks for praying.

Saturday, August 22, 2015

CHORES

 Eph 5:17 
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

We go through life knowing not what to do,but God gives His answer plain,
Read and study God's Word and his will you will soon ascertain.
We are unwise if we stay with our doubts, when in fact His will can be known.
So join the crowd that is seeking God's will and never again be alone.(RP)

It's Saturday and I must get the plants fertilized this morning. Then I will stuff more green peppers, and If I feel like it, vacuum the house. The weather is much cooler this morning, as it was yesterday. Our friends in Carlton, WA are living, waiting for any alert of forest fires. They can see the smoke from their house. We pray for their safety. Most of our family is in town to attend the big fair in Lynden, WA. Thanks for your prayers.

Friday, August 21, 2015

VISIT

1 John 5:12 
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

It is satisfying to be certain about things in life; this is good for us,
And when it comes to spiritual things I can tell you it is a plus.
If you have Jesus in your life you know that you really are blest,
And to be in Him is life indeed and in this place you can rest.(RP)

We were twice-blest yesterday. Besides our anniversary, my brother Harold was here in the afternoon and evening. It was so good to have him with us. He leaves today, returning to Anchorage. Later he will be here to complete the project that he set up in his two-day trip to Ferndale. We were blessed with Facebook greetings and by phone and cards for our anniversary. Thanks for praying.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

61 YEARS

Psalm 34:3
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.

Our wedding vow was made long ago, sixty one years to this day,
How great to serve the Lord with her , all along the way.
To magnify the Lord is our goal, and has been since the start,
And doing this as a couple, means each one does his part.
Exalting Him in all we do takes time, and plenty of work,
This results in blessings, because His word we did not shirk.
We know not the days in front of us, we just trust Him for this,
Our main concern is that we stay in tune, and none of His blessing miss.(RP)

Today is our 61st anniversary.  We have much to be thankful for. Our times are in HIS hands. We have the normal Thursday schedule today:  Beauty shop in the morning and prayer meeting in the afternoon. ALSO we have the extraordinary privilege of having my brother Harold arriving sometime in late afternoon. Margie has prepared a special lemon meringue pie which he dearly loves. We are so pleased he will be with us this evening. He leaves tomorrow morning for Anchorage, but will return as soon as things are in place.  He arrived in Bellingham just yesterday so you can see it is a quick trip.  Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

MALIGNANT

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

God's Book the Bible stand the test no matter what may come,
It's powerfully strong for any life, and it makes no difference where you're from.
This living Book, this instrument strong knows how to pierce a soul,
And all who embrace its teachings the Lord will make them whole.
This Word reads hearts and minds so well and discerns the thoughts of men,
And it will convict the sinner for sure and do it over and over again.(RP)

The lesion, my doctor removed from my left arm indicated it was malignant. The lab technician said that the way the doctor removed it, I will probably have no more problem. I am to observe and report any changes.  Yesterday our insurance company called with an authorization number for Margie to get an appointment with the Wound Center in Bellingham. She is scheduled for Sept 4, the earliest opening. Each day I change her bandage two times.  We think it is looking better already. We pray it is.  Today we are excited because my brother Harold arrives in Ferndale to do some special electrical work at our local P.U.D. electric utility and Conoco Phillips refinery. I don't think we will get to see him until sometime tomorrow after he has met with the officials responsible for this work. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

DOCTOR

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

Help me to live for You today, dear Lord, in such a very special way,
That others will know without a doubt that in my life You are on display.(R.P.)

My doctor treated a skin lesion on my left arm and sent it to the lab for testing. He does not think it is anything about which to be concerned. Now we are waiting word on Margie's authorization to go to the Wound Clinic in Bellingham to have her pressure ulcer checked on here ankle. I am changing the bandage on it about twice daily and yesterday we thought it started to look better. We pray it will get better. Thanks for praying.

Monday, August 17, 2015

APPOINTMENTS

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

God tells the rich to be humble, and not be proud of what they possess,
It is not the amount of money you have that reveals to God your success.
Riches are uncertain and unstable, and to trust in them can bring distress,
It is far better to let God give you what He wants, and just have Him bless.(RP)

At 8 this morning I will call to get Margie scheduled in the Wound Clinic in Bellingham.  I will also try to get an appointment with my doctor to refer me to a dermatologist. Each of us has a problem that needs fixing on the ankle and wrist. We pray we can get that settled quickly. Of course some doctors are on vacation so we may have more difficulty getting in. Thanks for praying. 

Sunday, August 16, 2015

WALK-IN-CLINIC

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

A call for courage comes today in these fine words from Paul,
We are to be watchful always in this worldly sin-packed sprawl.
Believers are to stand fast demonstrating faith to all who are here, 
Keeping in mind their position because we know His coming is near.
Be brave my brothers and sisters, our God will help you to be strong,
Remember we are to represent Jesus to the spiritually deprived throng.(RP)

One never knows what a day may bring. Margie's persistent sore on her ankle, and the sore on my left wrist, caused us to seek help at the walk-in-clinic. The doctor called mine a skin lesion and Margie's a pressure ulcer. He referred me to a dermatologist and Margie to the Wound Clinic. So Monday that's what I will be doing. I will get appointments for us at these places and see what comes next. In the meanwhile, I change Margie's bandage twice daily with a special ointment applied and wrapped well to keep things tidy. So goes our time. We are thankful for doctors, clinics and hospitals. We also look forward to going to church this morning. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, August 15, 2015

SLEEP

Psalm 37:25 
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.

In old age one can look back and get a glimpse of things,
Realizing God's special care and what old age really brings.
God forsakes not the righteous; He cares for them each day,
And sweetly ministers to them as they go along their way. (RP)

Margie did not do so well last night sleeping. After medicating some more, she finally got to sleep and had a fairly good night.  We are glad it is Saturday, so she can take things easy. Lord willing we will try to make it to church tomorrow. Remember last week she got sick as we were about to get in the car.  It rained most of the day yesterday. It was not hard rain at all, only sprinkles. This county is really DRY.  Thanks for praying. 

Friday, August 14, 2015

SPRINKLING

1 Corinthians 15:57 
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

There are numerous victories you say someone obtains,
But today we focus on one that to spirituality pertains.
God promises victory through the Lord Jesus Christ,
Thank God we know that this service is high priced.
The price he paid was His blood, to save all who believe,
And all who want forgiveness of sin must this offer receive.(RP)

We awakened this morning to sprinkles. Maybe it will really rain before the day finishes. It is quite unusual to see the street wet as I look out my office window. We realized this morning during morning devotions, that we have only two more Fridays after today, until our Bible class resumes. We are looking forward to it. Yesterday Margie had her hair done in the morning and we attended the prayer meeting in the afternoon. Our pastor leaves today for a ministry trip in Asia. We are praying for that trip. Thanks to you for your prayer support. 

Thursday, August 13, 2015

PICKLES

And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, Indeed, I said to myself, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.
2 Kings 5:10-11 

Naaman came seeking a cure, for his leprosy so very vile,
And was furious beyond degree and was instantly very hostile.
Elisha gave him the message, but he wanted to be cured his way,
But at last he followed God's orders and,his leprosy vanished away.
How many times have we argued with God, wanting him to bless our plan,
And then we finally discovered, that God has the best answer for man.(RP)

Yesterday afternoon we were given some fresh garden grown cucumbers. Margie immediately turned them into bread and butter pickles. I helped her some. They turned out real good. I continued my study in Genesis, preparing for future classes. I helped some friends with their computer. They could not get their e-mail, so I was able to do that for them. It was warm so our swamp coolers were a delight. What a great way to keep cool. Thanks for your prayer support.  

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

IN THE KITCHEN

Mark 11:24 
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Faith is vital in all we do; especially it is so for prayer,
When done God's way this faith is beyond compare.
Asking God for something is to believe He will do it,
And done in this manner you will always make a hit.
Just remember this: ask God believing He will deliver,
For we know that He is gracious and is certainly a giver.(RP)

We were given green peppers, so I stuffed them and put them in the oven. We enjoyed them for lunch. It has been a long time since I made them. Last year I did this almost every week and we gave away a lot of them. We decided long ago we could not keep that up so stopped for a long time.  In the late afternoon Margie decided to fix up some potatoes that we wanted to get rid of.  She made a nice delicious casserole. We enjoyed that for supper. I continued my work preparing study sheets for the Bible class in Genesis. I now have about 5 lessons in advance. We enjoyed the swamp coolers in the house. It was quite warm yesterday and will be the same today. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

BACK AGAIN

O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Jeremiah 10:23

We are helpless when it comes to knowing our way,
We do not know what steps to take or if it is okay.
God knows what is best for us so we seek His will,
And then He leads us, and with His love does fill. 
So go to Him when you do not know the path to take,
And He will guide and keep you all for His dear sake.(RP)

We were given bell peppers so today we must try to get them filled and baked. It has been a LONG time since we did any so it is about time we start. Margie was feeling better yesterday, thankfully, so we were able to go to Bert Holtrop's funeral. It was a nice service. The swamp cooler felt good in the afternoon and more warm weather is forecast for today. I keep ahead in the study sheets for Genesis class and will do some more on those today.  I like to keep at least five weeks in advance. Trust each of you has a good day. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, August 10, 2015

CORRECTION

Proverbs 3:11-12 
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects,just as a father the son in whom he delights.

God chastens those He loves; He always does it to His own,
He will not overlook your sins; this He does not condone.
Christian, do not fight God's correction; it is best for you,
Let Him do His work in you, and always His will pursue.(RP)

Yesterday we were ready to go to church and Margie got sick. We stayed home and listened and watched programs on the TV. We were so sorry to miss the service. Today she is going to try to make it to Bert Holtrop's service. We will see. The coolers felt good in our house yesterday so you can tell it is still summer weather. Today promises to be warmer, although right now it is overcast and quite cool.  Thanks to you for your prayers. We appreciate them.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

BETTER

Again I say to you if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
Matthew 18:19

It seems the numbers are so few when Christians come to pray,
But in His Word we are assured that our Father says it is okay.(RP)

Thankfully Margie is better today and we will go to church. She doesn't think she should try making it through Sunday School and church. She felt so badly yesterday that I rejoice she is up to going to church today. Today she will take it easy and hopefully feel okay tomorrow when we should attend another funeral of our good friend Bert Holtrop. We had a good visit with my brother Harold on Skype last night. It is wonderful how we can communicate this way. We trust you all have a good day. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, August 8, 2015

CHANGED PLAN

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him.Matthew 7:11.
God knows exactly what we need no matter what it is,
And what we receive is surely a decision that is His.
He knows how to give good things to those who pray,
And He can do this all the time, even from day to day.
Evil parents know how to give good things to their own,
God certainly does wonderful things; we are never alone.
Let us learn to ask Him for the things we want Him to provide,
And rejoice and praise Him for the things that'll be supplied. (RP)

All week we planned on going to Izzy Schopf's funeral today near Bothell, Washington.  This morning Margie awakened very ill.  She had a very good night but early this morning got sick. She is now resting in her lift chair but is pretty well wiped out. We talked about this last night.  If for some reason she did not feel up to it, we would not go.  She had all her clothes picked out for the trip, but now that won't happen.  Thankfully we know the Lord is in charge. I only lament not going to this service because Jake Schopf (pastor) came to our daughter's memorial service and we were honored to have him there, and we wanted to be there for him in his mother's service. Thanks for praying. 

Friday, August 7, 2015

ANTHONY'S

Deuteronomy 10:17 
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.

The Lord is our sovereign God; His greatness is mightier than all,
No partiality is found in Him, and he treats all no matter great or small.
His favor cannot be purchased or bribed; all are recipients of His grace,
And no matter who you are, you cannot escape His loving embrace.
Let Jesus be your Savior; invite him into your life this very day,
His peace will fill your life and you will be changed in every way. (RP)

Margie and I were guests of Armond Daws and his daughter and son-in-law to Anthony's restaurant late yesterday afternoon. It is a real treat for us and we enjoyed our time with them and the delicious meal. In the morning Margie went to the hairdresser and we attended prayer meeting in the afternoon. So it was a busy day, but enjoyable. Today it will be calmer. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, August 6, 2015

HOPE IT WORKS THIS TIME

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. Romans 8:38-39

God's love to us is a certain thing, it cannot be stopped or marred,
And it is so very important for all; this fact we should not disregard.
Through Christ Jesus our Lord God's love flows to all,
It is the most important thing that upon mankind could fall.(RP)

Yesterday we went to another Low-Vision eye center in Sedro Woolley. We were impressed with the young lady specialist who was so kind to Margie and we believe she may have found the right combination of lenses to help her read better. We had an easy trip for the 82 miles round trip to the clinic. It was nice to be back home.  It rained most of the day. Our car is comfortable and we enjoyed the trip. Today is a very busy day so we pray Margie will be able to do all she wants to. Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

SOUTH

Acts 17:26  
And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.

God's sovereign rule of the universe is seen everywhere we look,
We see it in nature and heaven, and in every cranny and nook.
He made from one blood all people who dwell upon this earth,
And determines everything that takes place, including one's birth.
He places people all around the globe to dwell where He so desires,
Thank God He watches over them always, and yet He never tires.(RP)

We travel south to the town of Sedro Woolley where Margie has an appointment with a specialist in low-vision. Her doctor in Bellingham referred her there because they may be able to help her read better. Her eyesight is definitely in decline so we grasp for new opportunities to get help. It is cloudy, cool and will probably rain. That is unusual for us this year. It has been very warm and dry. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

MISSIONARY MEETING

James 1:19-20 
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

There are things we should learn in life, and here we have a few,
We need to learn to listen more, and careful with words we spew.
God warns to control our anger; this is not a righteous act,
And we should always glorify Him, otherwise we will detract.(RP)

This afternoon is missionary meeting day. We look forward to it when we can pray for missions around the world.  We just received word yesterday that Margie can have an appointment at another low-vision clinic in a nearby town. That will be tomorrow. We'll keep you informed about that trip later. Our weather has cooled again. Most are happy about that. Our coolers were hardly used yesterday around here. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, August 3, 2015

LOW VISION

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

I know what to do when you are afraid,
You can go to the Lord for His aid.
Seek the Lord for the problem at hand,
He will give help and you will stand.
Let Him deliver you from all your fears,
And give you peace and wipe away tears.(RP)

Today Margie (and I) will be contacting a special clinic her eye specialist recommended in Sedro Woolley, WA. Insurance should help pay the expenses so we are interested in looking into it. So far, she has not been able to read very well and of course it is a great concern. We pray this new place will have an answer to this problem. Yesterday was a blessing at church and the afternoon was spent leisurely at home. We did have short visit from David Seta in the afternoon which was enjoyable. Thanks for praying.

Sunday, August 2, 2015

CHURCH

Jeremiah 29:11 
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.

Sometimes were prone to think God does not care,
To think this way is very wrong and also quite unfair.
When God singles you out and thinks about you,
I assure you that His thoughts of you are not just a few.
He wants peace for you, not evil, and this is His desire,
He'll give you a future with hope and from this He never will tire.(RP)

We look forward to Sunday School and church today. We are thankful we can attend. Our church is going through a new renovation on the outside. Much work was done on the south side that showed most of the stress of wind and rain. The color is different than before but similar. It was last painted when I was pastor. This week we received word of another fellow-missionary passing away. Isabel (Izzy) Schopf served for years in Brazil with her husband Jake. Jake died several years ago. Izzy died last Monday. We will see if Margie is up to attending her funeral next Saturday. Thanks for praying.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

SATURDAY SCHEDULE

Hebrews 4:15 
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Thank God we have someone who understands us well,
His love is the greatest and in everything He does excel.
He definitely knows how to sympathize with my weak points.
And in all His dealings with me, he never once disappoints.
In His temptations here on earth he knew how to relate to me,
Whatever problem I face, He knows what the outcome will be. (RP)

The schedule today is pretty relaxed. I leave in a few minutes to get prescription medication for Margie at Walgreens. I will drop by the grocery store and get an item or two for lunch. Margie is now visiting with a long time friend on the telephone. Each Saturday she calls individuals and has a ministry of doing this. Time permitting, I will do advance studies for the book of Genesis.  I also have two Sunday School classes, so will continue my studies in the book of Jude. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying.