LAST DAY OF 2015

Matthew 6:34 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Worry warts abound in the Christian ranks; it seems to be a disease, 

I have a word for them just now: could you just trust the Lord, please.

When we worry about tomorrow, it is a foolish gesture to be sure,

And to be very honest about it, it is really crazy and very immature.

Every day brings its own trouble, and sometimes nice things happen too,

So why not go with the flow, my friend, and just learn to trust God anew.

Just start all over to trust things to the Lord; He will work things out,

And in the end you will be content and in fact I think you will really shout.(RP)

Time flies, doesn't it?  Wow, where did 2015 go? There seems to be a direct connection between our age and the passing of time. Do I hear an AMEN? Yesterday we got the Christmas tree and all decorations put away. It is a good feeling to have it done. Margie baked while I did that. Several other things we did also, so I guess for old folks we had a profitable day. We trust you will also, and tomorrow things will get off to a good start. Thanks for praying. 

GORGEOUS DAY

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38

Christian giving is a privilege for every believer today, 

Generosity is the norm; this way it will always stay.

In old times measured grain always overflowed,

To the buyer this gesture was displayed and owed.

God blesses like long ago, so do not grudge to give,

Be honest in your giving; God will bless you as you live.(RP)

We awakened to a beautiful day. Last night there was an earthquake, which we did not feel, but many did. No damage was done, thankfully. Margie is baking today and when she finishes I will do some peppers. Yesterday our son found a place where the rats entered our garage before and literally started to chew up the gasket on our freezer door. Boy they are persistent. He filled the spot with foam and set more mouse traps. We hope this stops the destruction. 2015 is almost over. We are sure you remembered this. Thanks for praying.

BETTER

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us, and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

God wants to use you Christian, so that your life will be abundantly blessed,

His grace is sufficient, and He gives hope to all, and to this you will attest.

God's comfort is given to establish us, as we work and serve him down here,

We labor for Him with love, because we know that some day He will appear.(RP)

It is a blessing to wake up and not feel lousy. This is the first in many days I can say this. I am thankful. Margie fears she may be getting a cold. I pray she doesn't and please pray she will not. We had a good day yesterday. Our son is here and today he is going to drive me to town to pick up some necessary items there. He will return home this evening. Thanks for praying.

SLOW DAY

Proverbs 11:2  When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom

A proud person blows his own horn, and all can hear it well,

He boasts a lot and talks so much that his head begins to swell.

With all his pride and worldly ways, he is overcome with shame,

And when this happens he has to reflect, and only himself blame.

There are others who walk humbly in life; their story is a blessed one,

Wisdom is their portion each day and they with God's help have won.(RP)

We are going to try to make this a slow day. But already we have been to coffee with our son Rawlie and I will try to get an appointment with my doctor about my sinus problems. Margie is busy making lunch for us. The weather is good and all is well. Thanks for praying.

TO CHURCH WE GO

John 10:14-15 

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.

Oh what a good Shepherd He is; He knows everyone of His sheep,

He knows them all the time no matter where they - awake or asleep.

And we who own Him as our Shepherd, we also know Him very well,

We have His blessing and know that with Him we shall one day dwell.

The Shepherd knows the Father and the Father knows Him; it is great,

And our Shepherd lays down His life for us; no one this love can berate. (RP)

We look forward to church this morning there will be no Sunday School, so we start at 10:30 for the worship service. Our son will be arriving this afternoon. I am still nursing what has turned into a sinus discomfort. Perhaps the druggist will have something to suggest for relief. Yesterday was a leisurely day. We started again on chapters for our next book about Shepherds. It brings back very special memories.  Thanks for praying.

THE DAY AFTER

Mt 22:42 

What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He? They said to Him, The Son of David.

Christmas is over and I ask you today, What do you think about Christ?

To get into the spirit of Christmas Day, did you really have to be enticed?

Does Jesus mean more to you than anything? Does he have first place?

Or do you feel more comfortable when nothing is said about His grace?

Please consider and invite Him into your life, and know the joy He gives,

In every heart where Jesus reigns, you know for sure that's where He lives.

Allow Him to control your entire life right now, by telling Him so as you pray,

The joy He gives is a fabulous thing, and in your life He will be on display.(RP)

After Christmas is usually a time for reflexion, fond memories, clean-up time, and a host of things. We had a WONDERFUL day with family and friends here. Our grandson came earlier and helped Margie with the food preparation which was a huge help for her. She was getting quite tired, and Nathan's help saved the day for her. It was a very lovely day. They left around four in the afternoon.  We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening leisurely watching some programs. We trust your day went well.  Thanks for praying.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Luke 2:9,10 

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

The shepherds heard the angel speak that night so very long ago,

God's glory shone brightly around and gave them all a mighty show.

The angel had a special message for these poor shepherd men,

They left the fields and the sheep, and place where they had been.

They found Mary and Joseph and Jesus just as they had been told,

And soon left the place with haste, this message to gladly uphold.

This is the message of Christmas, God's good news for all to hear,

Come to Christ for salvation;it is the best thing to happen all year.(RP)

We trust you all have a wonderful Christmas. Our family will be with us for brunch. This is a family tradition of many years. Margie is praying for strength to get it all done. We both will try to make it an enjoyable time for the family. We are blessed. Thanks for praying. 

CHRISTMAS EVE

Psalm 32:1 

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

What blessed words are these today about sin that has been forgiven,

This is because Jesus gave His life, and for our sins His blood was given.

God covers our sin with His precious blood, and we are forgiven indeed,

With sins forgiven our minds are at peace, because we have been freed.(RP)

We are glad we do not have to travel this time of the year. Just this morning we heard that a main route to the east is blocked due to snow problems. Margie is putting the last minute preparations for tomorrow's brunch in place. We look forward to our family time on Christmas. Today Margie has her hair appointment, and I will get a few items at the grocery store and pick up a prescription for her at Walgreens. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

COUNTDOWN

2 Corinthians 12:9 

And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

God's grace is a gift to us; we have need of it every single day.

God takes great delight in giving us our daily needs, as we pray.

Whatever grace He gives is sufficient for our need for right now,

And when received, we are overwhelmed and want to say wow!

God's strength is made perfect in weakness, so let us be strong,

We gladly boast when we are weak, because we won't go wrong.

May Christ's power rest upon me, because that's the place to be.

And let us live for Him so that others around us that power will see.(RP)

By the looks and sounds of things, it appears we are now in the countdown for Christmas. Margie is happy all the baking is completed, now she will direct her attention to the Christmas morning brunch here at our house. It is a yearly tradition and we look forward to it. We understand the grandchildren do too. I want to visit the bank today, get more things at the store, and vacuum the house. That should keep me busy. And I am also washing clothes this morning. It is cold and raining. They mentioned the word snow this morning but not much is forecast for our area. Thanks so much for your prayers. 

BALANCING ACT

Hebrews 4:13 

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

You might think you can hide from God, but you are sadly wrong,

We think we can escape His piercing view, but it will not last long.

Everything that we do down here is noticed by our Father above,

And remember He looks on with a wistful eye, that shows His love.(RP)

Yesterday I spent part of the morning working on finances. I like to keep the check book balanced also. We learn to cut back more as donors retire. We are so grateful for their support so many years. We thank God for them. Today Margie has two doctor appointments. We hope we can work them in okay. Thanks for praying. 

GREAT DAY

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

2 Corinthians 9:8

Believers in Christ are to work for Him; because we love Him so,

There is much to do as we harvest, we want to help others grow.

God gives what we need as we do work for Him; this is His will, 

He promises us victory in service, as we faithfully His work fulfill.(RP)

Yesterday's services were a blessing at church. In the morning with Sunday School, then the worship hour, and last night the church choir singing "Joy! Unspeakable Joy". The message was special. There was a good attendance at last night's service. We were pleased. Our son Rawlie was here until Sunday morning, then returned to his church to participate in the program there, along with his family and others. Rawlie did several projects around our house and we appreciate it so much. Winter begins this evening and they even have the "S" word in the forecast for sometime this week perhaps.  We'll see.  Thanks for praying. 

THANKS RAWLIE

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.Hebrews 13:15

There is something we must daily do as we walk and talk down here, 

And we never should do it as a chore, dear friend, because it is very dear. 

With our lips we must always give thanks to God, and praise Him from our heart,

Giving Him glory with all we have and from this practice never depart. (RP)

We are grateful for our son's help this weekend. He fixed a plumbing problem in our shower, and installed two new utility lights in the garage. They had been defective for some time. Now it is as bright as day. We are thankful. He did work on both of their houses here in Ferndale also. So he had a very busy time while with us. We deeply appreciate his help. Margie also did a marvelous job of baking for our Christmas brunch later this week. The smells of sweet rolls, sticky buns and tea rings, filled the house. And yes, we even had some cinnamon rolls for lunch. Yummy!! Now we look forward to church this morning. Thanks for praying. 

RAWLIE VISIT

Your word I have hidden in my heart,That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:1

So much that's hidden in this life is certainly not very good,

And mysterious things and sinful acts that really are not understood.

But God ordains that we hide His Word deeply within our heart,

And if we do we will not sin nor from His ways depart(RP)

Bible class yesterday was well attended and the class presented me with a nice signed card by members of the class, along with a very generous offering. How nice of them. I prayed I could get through the class because I was coming out of the cold I had for a week. Yesterday afternoon our son Rawlie came for a visit. He will leave tomorrow.  Today Margie is baking more tea rings and sticky buns for Christmas brunch. Thanks for praying. 

FRIDAY AGAIN

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mark 8:36

Some mind sets are focused on money alone, and all they can get here on earth,

Their only concern is what they possess, and tell others how much they are worth.

God snaps us to attention with one verse from the Book; what profit is this for you?

If gaining the world and losing your soul is all, is there something left for you to do?

There really is something, and Jesus explains: Receive Me for life eternal right now,

And when you do this, forsaking you sin, He forgives, and before Him you will bow.(RP)

It seems Fridays get here soon each week. Of course we like that because that's the day we have Bible study. I have been under the weather with a cold all week, so am happy to get back into the schedule again. I was able yesterday to get out also which was nice. It snowed here on the hill yesterday, and that is because of the elevation. In town there was none. In just a few moments I will be reviewing today's Bible lesson, in preparation for the class at 10:00 am. Thanks for praying.

BACK TO NORMAL

Genesis 2:18 

And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him. 

When things started out in this world long ago, Adam was all alone,

It was not good so God made him a mate,someone he had never known.

Now married and in a beautiful spot, surely things will be okay,

Their duty was set to glorify God, and His every command obey.

Eve was now Adam's companion, and together their family began, 

History tells us this story of the first couple: a woman and a man.

Marriage is God's holy institution, and we tell our story with glee,

I am thankful for my God-given spouse; for us this is the key.(RP)

We are hoping today is back to normal. I haven't been out since last Saturday, trying to "nurse" this cold. I take Margie to the hairdresser this morning and get some necessary groceries. If that works out okay we will go to afternoon prayer meeting. Thanks for praying.

DELICIOUS

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

Gal 6:7

Remember self deception plays some awful tricks on us.

Because we think we are alone but really God sees all.

And what we do is seen by Him and what we say He hears.

Sowing and reaping go hand in hand and soon the verdict will fall.(RP)

Margie baked delicious cinnamon rolls, Christmas Tea Rings, and sticky buns yesterday.  She will do it again on Saturday only she will bake less. She was pretty well tired out, but had a good night and today is back to her normal schedule. I thought I was better but this morning felt pretty punk. I pray I will be better today. I would love to be able to teach the Friday Bible class.  Thanks for praying.

BAKING

Proverbs 18:24 

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

If you are looking for friends, be very sure you are a friend,

A friend is one upon whom you will always be able to depend.

We are happy in the natural world that this is possible for you,

True friends are a treasure to have; this friendship sticks like glue.

But now we go beyond this world, to realms of heaven above,

Jesus is our best friend; He's our Brother because of His love.

He died on the cross to save us from sin; we owe Him much,

And what a joy to walk with Him and know His tender touch. (RP)

Margie started early this morning to do some baking. This is a yearly project, near Christmas time. Because of age and health, she has divided this one-day job into two.  Saturday she will do the last half. I can help a little, but I have been sick so unable to be of much use around here. Thankfully, I am on the mend, it seems. Thanks for praying.

RECOVERING - I HOPE

2 Timothy 3:16 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

The word of God is an inspired book, and helps those who read it and obey,

He who ignores this word will lose his way quickly, and eventually go astray.

God's teaching is clearly given in His holy book; please consider it today,

Read it carefully and do not forget to meditate and set some time to pray.

This Book when read with purpose and delight, will correct, instruct and guide,

And you will know for certain that our Savior will constantly be by your side. (RP)

I had hoped to report that I am recovering from my cold, but I am still feeling punk.  Maybe today I will improve. Yesterday we did not go to church, but Margie sent gluten free cookies for the welcome room. She is cleaning a bathroom this morning. I started cleaning the other one, but I will not do much. This week Margie has planned some cooking, and we pray she will have strength to complete it.  Thanks for praying. 

COLD

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

The devil will fight us tooth and nail, to take this away from us,

Thank God he'll lose, I'm sure of this; there's nothing more to discuss.

Nothing separates us from God's hold, gained when we trusted Him,

Satan can whimper and fight all he wants, but his future is very dim.(RP)

For two days I have been fighting a cold. Today I feel punk. No church for us today.  Margie made a batch of gluten free cookies for welcome time after church, but we are unable to be there. Our Sunday School teacher, Glenn, dropped by this morning to get them. Fortunately we have a slower week as far as Margie's appointments are concerned. That helps me a lot. Hope you are all well. Thanks for praying. 

HIGH WINDS

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Because of Joseph his whole family was saved; God worked things out for sure,

And this is the reason God put him in Egypt, to make his whole family secure. 

God's providence is seen in this story so sweet, how God brought his brothers to him,

And how they were tested time after time, and for them things looked pretty dim. 

But God used Joseph in a time like this, to bring life to his family at last,

The story is tense and so beautiful, when you see how God used Him to surpass.

Joseph's brothers doubted at this point in their lives, if Joseph would really aid,

They soon found it was ordained by God, and His grace was mightily displayed. (RP)

The radio just forecast high winds and rain this morning. I awakened not feeling so good, so don't know what's going on. I thought I just had a sore throat, but maybe it turned into a cold. We'll see! Margie baked yesterday and is continuing that today. 

She is preparing for Christmas and our now customary Christmas brunch.  Thanks for praying.

A LOT TO STUDY

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.Matthew 24:35

Thank God the Bible is with us; we enjoy its instruction each day,

The guidance it gives us is special, and for all this is really okay.

When this world passes away, there is not much left anymore,

God prepared a place for us, and He waits patiently at the door.

His words will never pass away, but will accomplish His desire,

Eternity will be delightful, and a place where we will never tire.(RP)

We continue our Bible study today about Lot. There are many spiritual lessons connected to his life. We only have two more classes now before Jan 8, when things will get back to the normal schedule. Yesterday, as usual, was busy. We always enjoy the afternoon prayer time at church. I think it took a couple of days to "recover" from the trip to the allergist on Tuesday. I medicated for a throat condition, but today seem to be doing much better. Thanks for praying. 

REGULAR SCHEDULE

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.Galatians 6:9

We easily grow tired as we serve the Master here,

But He promises a harvest if we trust and do not fear.(RP)

We are back to our regular schedule today. This morning Margie sees the hairdresser and in the afternoon we attend prayer meeting. Yesterday we spent the day recovering from the rigors of the previous day - the trip to her allergist.  She has started her new drops and last night she did well. I was putting the final touches also to my Friday Bible class material. We thank you for your prayers.

13-1/2 HOURS

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. I Peter 3:8

Brotherly loves comes hard for some but this is what we should do,

The Spirit of God gives help from within to do things we normally eschew.

Let's be of one mind for Jesus' sake and compassionately love today,

And you'll soon find out that this mode of life is surely the courteous way.(RP)

Margie had another set of allergy tests done yesterday in Redmond, WA. The trip was hard because of the excessive traffic on interstate 405. Bumper to bumper, traffic, rain and lots of wind, made travelling a challenge. We left at 5:30 in the morning and arrived back home at 7.  I guess that is plenty for two octogenarians. We are mighty glad to be home. Margie got some good help and we are thankful. We missed yesterday's blog because there was not enough time to get it all done. Thanks so much for praying.

EYE DOCTOR

Psalm 92:1

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.

Some people do not like to sing; others do it with ease,

God asks us to sing praises, and do it as we please.

We should always give thanks to Him; do this today,

And your life will be filled with blessings, when you obey.(RP)

This morning Margie will see her eye doctor for a regular procedure. While in town we will pick up a few things before returning home. Yesterday was a delightful day at church. After the service we stopped to visit our friends the Borakers. Everett has not been able to attend church due to poor health. At home we had a leisurely day. It was a VERY windy day. Many people are without power. Ours flickered twice but did not go out. We are thankful. Thanks for praying. 

OFF TO CHURCH WE GO

1 Corinthians 14:33 

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

People can cause real confusion, but God cannot be blamed for it,

The author of peace is God, and gives it freely to those who submit.

Thank God churches can have His direction, if they will seek His will,

And He will lead and guide each one as His word they try to fulfill.(RP)

We got a late start this morning, but are happy we can go to church. We think of many who cannot. We had a full day yesterday working on different projects, mostly related to our ministry. We had a scare during the night. Margie slipped in the bathroom, but thankfully we were able to get her up, she doing most the work to manipulate her body and get herself into bed. We are thankful. Thank you all who pray..

DECORATIONS

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.1 Timothy 6:6-8

A Christian who lives in harmony with God, has much to be thankful for,

The Word of God instructs us well; there is so much we cannot ignore.

We love contentment, and God promises this; we must read and obey,

This way, we depend on Him, and for us that makes everything okay. (RP)

Today we are putting the finishing touches to some Christmas decorations. It is simple, and we are spending a lot of time on it. Yesterday's Bible class was a blessing and we had a pretty good attendance. The weather has changed to mild, and windy. Thanks for your prayer support.

SENIOR CENTER

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

We mortals sometimes get mixed up, and think we can do many things,

God knows best, and so should we, that on our own we have many dings.

Man cannot save himself you know, this is a work only our Savior can do,

Lost sinners can always find salvation in Christ, and this means you too.

Impossibilities with man are made possible with God, if we only go to Him,

Take your problem to Him and leave it there; this way you'll never be grimm.(RP)

As always, we look forward to the Bible class this morning. Hopefully there will be a good group today. Yesterday went well and Margie has already started her special preparation for our trip to the allergist next week. She (and I) will be glad when that is history. She is doing so much better than before the last testing, so we know it was time to have this done again. Thanks so much for your prayers. 

HIGH WINDS

1 Corinthians 2:14 

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Those without Christ don't understand His ways,

Watching the Christian who reads His word and prays.

They think it all foolishness; they just don't understand,

They don't have God's Spirit; they can't know firsthand.

But when they invite Jesus into their lives,

Their understanding changes and hope arrives.(RP)

The weatherman told us there would be high winds today, and there are. Last night we had a wonderful time at Anthony's, as guests of Armond Daws and his daughter Linda and her husband, Carl.  What a great meal we had and wonderful visit. We always marvel at Armond's health. At 96 plus, he does well. Today I take Margie to the hairdresser and in the afternoon we attend prayer meeting at church. We trust you are doing well. Thanks for your prayers.

WASH DAY

Then Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. Acts 3:6

By the world's standard Peter had nothing to help him,

But in terms of eternity,he gave something on a whim.

He had Jesus who heals the sick, and raises the dead,

Peter invoked His name; the man was raised from his bed.

The man hoped for cash that day; he received far more,

It's always this way with the Lord; He gives blessings galore. (RP)

Our Wednesday schedule is washing clothes.  We are in the middle of this project right now. Margie normally folds the clothes and irons them. When she does not have strength to iron, I take over for her. The weather moderated some, and more rain is on the way. Thanks for praying.

MISSIONARY MEETING

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.1 Peter 3:8

Just get along is the cry today, so we strive to do His will,

Living in harmony with love, is something we desire to fulfill.

So make it a point to be compassionate, and do it with humility,

And please remember, dear friend, with Him this is a possibility.(RP)

Today we will attend a missions meeting and listen to a returned missionary give her testimony. This is mostly a meeting to hear requests and pray for missionaries. We always look forward to it. Yesterday's visit to the foot doctor went well and now Margie's foot is not in such pain. The weather has moderated a little and it is not as cold. We have a full schedule for today. Thanks for praying.