Wednesday, August 31, 2016

THERAPY

Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; nor can the number of His years be discovered.Job 36:26

We mortals know so little, but we must be honest in what we say,
We agree God is great, but we really do not know him all the way.
He is sovereign; we are human,and are limited in what we know,
But we gladly accept this condition, because we really know it's so.
It is true God's years are numberless, we rejoice in His great power,
And thank Him daily for His love, and his presence with us every hour. (RP)

Margie goes to therapy this morning. The orthopedist said that therapy on her arms will help give strength which will help in her arm movements. We are hoping it will go well. Thanks for praying. My brother Harold sent a text last night that he had come through kidney stone surgery okay. He needs our prayers.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

MY TURN

Ephesians 4:29 
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Sweeten up your speech my friend, God cannot be fooled,
He will not change and he definitely cannot be overruled.
We need to watch our talk; no corruption should be there,
If we can't do this, my friend, then we better be very aware.
Words should lift each other up, and make our friends feel good,
When your speech takes this form, you will not be misunderstood.
Strive to grace others with your life and words; this is our goal,
Certainly this will be blessed by God and you have found your role. (RP)

Today is my turn to be at the church for a few hours in case I am needed to answer questions or help somebody.  This is a new role the elders are taking, and I believe it is good, now that we do not have a pastor in the office each day. Margie's dental appointment went well yesterday and she was even able to have lunch as soon as she got home. How nice!  Thanks for praying.

Monday, August 29, 2016

DENTIST

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. Psalm 119:71

God at times brings pain our way to teach us a thing or two,
And every time they come to us we should know what to do.
God intends through suffering to teach us more about Him,
He desires we learn from Him; and not in our sorrow swim.
When affliction comes, and we know it will, face it with a smile,
Then you'll be ready no matter what, whenever He sends a trial. (RP)

Today Margie goes to the dentist. She will be glad when that visit is complete. She did not have a real good night, so is tired this morning. I will take her to the dentist in Ferndale, then do some shopping before picking her up. We had a good day at church yesterday. There were 3 different barbecues at elder's homes yesterday. Church members chose which they desired to attend. The reports are favorable of how they were attended. Thanks for praying.

Sunday, August 28, 2016

CHURCH

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

This God-breathed Bible is our guide to direct our path each day,
How great to have this Book divine, to help us do and say,
It keeps us updated on all we need in our daily and hourly walk,
And for this reason and so much more about this I want to talk. (RP)

In a couple of hours we will be, Lord willing, in our class for Sunday School at church.  We look forward to this.  Yesterday the weather moderated and it was cooler. Today is the same. We had a good visit via Skype with my brother Harold in Anchorage. He needs prayer for his kidney stone surgery Tuesday.  My sister-in-law, Verda had a freak fall when she was saying good by to her grandchildren who were visiting them in Singapore. Pray for her as she recovers from this fall.  Thanks so much for praying. 

Saturday, August 27, 2016

PRAYER REQUEST

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

Don't be shy when you come to Jesus: He bids come boldly to the throne of grace,
Meeting Him there is an awesome thing; you can never find anywhere a better place.
In His presence He wants you to obtain mercy, and what a wonderful thing is this,
And this encounter is special indeed, and I am sure you will never want to miss.
While talking to your heavenly Father, you will find grace to help in time of need,
And we are certain that the time you spend in prayer with Him, is the best indeed. (RP)

My brother Harold spent the day in ER in Anchorage. He has two large kidney stones. Tuesday he will have surgery. Please pray for him. We appreciate it.  Yesterday I spent part of the day completely cleaning our swamp cooler that had developed a thumping sound on high speed which was very annoying. I finally discovered that the cooler pad was much too old and needed replacement. Thankfully because of our years on the road for Shepherds, I had extra cooling pad material in our storage. With that, things were much better last night. When the rest of the house was over 80 degrees, our bedroom was 70 or less. What a delightful way to sleep. Thanks for praying.

Friday, August 26, 2016

TOAY'S WORK

Job 19:25 
For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth.

Although Job lived long ago, he knew his theology well,
And I doubt if any one living then, could his wisdom excel.
Job knew His Lord would one day stand on this His earth,
And he probably was taught this precious truth since birth.
What comfort is ours today in knowing what comes tomorrow,
The Bible gives us the answer, other ideas we do not need to borrow.(RP)

During the night strange noises came into our bedroom. Upon closer inspection, I discovered it was our evaporative cooler. I have thought for several weeks now that perhaps the water pump was defective. It is a special invention of mine when we were working for Shepherds and temporarily in Polson, Montana.  The coolers come with a very flimsy pump which usually crashes. I figured I could put a magnetic pump, like used in landscape water displays, and it would work okay.  It has served now several years. I hope I will have the know-how to get it fixed today because more hot weather will be here today. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, August 25, 2016

SURPRISE

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. Jeremiah 29:11

God thinks of us and we are blessed to hear this from His heart,
And from this always thinking of us, He never will depart.
He wants peace for us and gives it freely; this is how He loves,
To our hungry hearts this thought is sweet like the song of doves.
He cares much about our future days; this is very important to Him,
We never need to worry because His care for us will never grow dim.
Thank God with Him we face each day knowing full well there is hope,
And with each twist in the road He is there to help; we know we can cope. (RP)

Several weeks ago Puget Sound Energy said they would come to our house and give hints how to make our electric set up more efficient. I wondered what they would do. They do all sorts of things, but yesterday he changed all the light bulbs that use more electricity. He exchanged them for new L.E.D. bulbs which give a lot of light, but only draw about 10 watts each. What a savings. And they will probably last a very long time because they are L.E.D.  The price for all these bulbs: NOTHING.  What a deal is that?  We are pleased. Thanks for praying.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

RELIEF

To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19. 

Some things are hard to understand as we read God's Word day by day,
It is good to pay heed to what is said because it gives strength along the way.
To know God's love fully- impossible- you say, and so very right you are, 
But we have His love deep within our souls,because He saved us and brought us this far.
As we live in communion with Him each day there is more He wants us to know,
And He'll fill us with all He wants us to have and help us in our walk here below. (RP)

Margie saw the doctor yesterday who suggested she have an injection into the area where her left shoulder is bone on bone. The shot can be given every three months and usually is effective. It is worth a try. Even last night she had some relief already, even though it normally take awhile for the medication to start showing positive results. We pray this will be the answer instead of surgery, which at her age is probably not the best route. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

NEW TO ME

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

God's wisdom placed in His children is a gift that should not be ignored,
It is not just a handy add-on, but a mighty and very wonderful award.
For His wisdom helps us have patience, and that is a wonderful thing,
Because it keeps paying great dividends; what an advantage it will bring.
Wisdom does many other things, as is suggested by our verse today, 
It empowers one to overlook an offense; for this blessing you cannot pay. (RP)

Yesterday the car mechanic found a defective wheel hub on our Buick. I had never heard of this part. The bearing was wearing out and danger of losing a wheel was imminent. My brother Harold helped me with this for which we are grateful. Today we visit my orthopedist but this time he will look at Margie's shoulder. The pain level is getting too much and we want to see what he says. She really does not want another shoulder surgery. She had her right side done about 4 years ago. She does not want to repeat that painful recovery. We'll see. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, August 22, 2016

PLEASANT DAY

Eph 3:12 
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

We have boldness in Jesus, because He saved us, and we belong to Him,
Now we have access to Him, and because of this our situation is never grim.
With confidence by faith we come into His presence with boldness and joy,
What a refuge for believers; a place where we are confident no one will annoy. (RP)

We had a good day yesterday. I enjoyed teaching the Sunday School class for Glenn Golay. We had a guest speaker for church, Don Vanden Berg. His wife Addy was with him. They were in the Sunday School class also. We had a leisurely afternoon.  Right after the morning service there was a short information meeting, to discuss the cancellation of AWANA for this year. Some other options are being investigated. We need prayer for this. Thanks for praying.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

RECAP OF YESTERDAY

If I regard iniquity in my heart,the Lord will not hear. Psa. 66:18
Praying to God with unconfessed sin, is a serious thing indeed,
For the truth of the matter is this, dear one, if you do, you will not succeed. (RP)

Margie and I had lunch at a restaurant we both like real well. From there we went to Edaleen's, and ice cream place, and treated ourselves to a delicious waffle cone ice cream. Our son called in the morning and wished us well on our anniversary. Later on David Seta and his brother came and we visited. Yesterday was the last day of the Lynden Fair, so some of our family was up for that too. Today we look forward to Sunday School and church service. I teach Sunday School, because Glenn is out of town. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, August 20, 2016

ANNIVERSARY

TODAY WE CELEBRATE OUR 62 WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

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

We give God the glory for these wonderful years.

Friday, August 19, 2016

QUICKLY

For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philip.1:11

It is hard to learn this lesson, Lord for we who are so weak,
But give us faith and courage, Your will to always seek. (RP)

I am sure you have notice how quickly time flies. I wonder if it has anything to do with our age? It seems we just stepped out of the church on Sunday, now it is Friday already. I believe it is a reminder to me especially that Sept 9 is around the corner and our Bible class will be starting up again. We certainly look forward to that. We are pleased Margie had a good night. Today is going to be warmer than yesterday, so our evaporative coolers surely add a great touch to our inside-the-house temperatures. Thanks for praying.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

A SCARE AT FIRST

Psalm 143:8
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Lord help me read your Word each dayAnd learn Your will for me,
And make my life so full of you,So others my Savior will see. (RP)

Margie could not sleep at first, so went into the family room to her lift chair. She was concerned about her heart so took an aspirin, and slept soundly until later this morning. She returned to her bed and slept some more. We are thankful for this. Today she goes to hair dresser and in the afternoon we attend prayer meeting. Thanks so much for praying. 

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

WASHDAY

Luke 12:15
And He said to them,Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.

It seems that in life we always want more; it never seems to end,
Some may differ, and that is okay, but I trust you do comprehend.
Jesus says there is something far better than abundance of things.
And that which He offers is truly a gift, and to our hearts joy brings. (RP)

Hopefully we are back to our regular schedules. Last night Margie did well for which we are thankful. Today the weather is going to warm up and will get more so by Friday. We are happy for swamp coolers. I am running the washing machine now. Margie is baking some bar cookies. We manage to keep busy. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

FOOT DOCTOR

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

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

Margie will see the foot doctor today, then we have a little shopping to do. It will be a busy day, because tonight I have an Elder meeting at church. The fair is going on at Lynden, so this is a busy time for many. We do not plan on attending. The dust and length of walk is too much for Margie.The weather is perfect for the occasion, and we are glad for that. Thanks for praying.

Monday, August 15, 2016

GREAT DAY

You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence. Acts 2:28

God's gracious ways explain so well what he has planned for us,
His way of life is meant for us and oh what a marvelous plus.
He gives us joy both now and again when in His presence we land,
And then in Heaven we'll know it well, because we'll have it all firsthand.(RP)

We were pleased to be at church Sunday and attend the Sunday School class and morning worship hour. We heard a good message from Ken Van Kooten. That is the second time he has been at our church. We are happy also that Margie had another good night. She slept well. Thanks for praying.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

THANKFUL

Psalm 149:4 
For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

On this blessed Sunday morning as we make our way to church,
I trust your heart is in tune with Him; do not get caught in a lurch.
God is pleased because you belong to Him; what a joy to hear,
Keep on pleasing Him with your committed life; do not fear.
God graces His children with eternal life; this blessing we enjoy,
And because we belong to Him, this gift none can destroy. (RP)

We are thankful Margie had a good night. That is an answer to prayer.  Yesterday she made a batch of bread and butter sweet pickles. They are delicious. I stuffed about 15 bell peppers and baked them. That will give us a few meals. The weather has turned warmer and as usual, we are grateful for the evaporative coolers which make us comfortable. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, August 13, 2016

AT LAST

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.Proverbs 17:22

Sometimes down here in life's journey we get weary,
But it's best if we can maintain a good life that is cheery.
A cheerful heart is like fine medicine; it really helps a lot,
And the best of all it comes from within; it can't be bought.
So do your best and not allow your spirit to be crushed,
This way you will surely win and your enemy will be hushed. (RP)

We are pleased Margie slept well last night. For the first time in many nights, she didn't have to go to her lift chair and rest. We are thankful. Thanks for praying about this. We appreciate it. Today we have a busy schedule planned. She plans on making pickles and I will be baking stuffed green peppers. 

Friday, August 12, 2016

AGAIN

Matthew 6:21 
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The things that occupy our thinking, and the desires we deeply hold,
Are true indicators of our convictions, and by them we are controlled. 
That which we think about most, is often the thing that controls,
And with intensity this thing takes first place, and consoles.
We are taught here that the things we think about most,
Are certainly the things that our mind invites as host.
It behooves us to think about Jesus, and all He has done for us,
Then we will have satisfaction and peace, which is a wonderful plus. (RP)

Even though Margie had to go into the family room and use her lift chair for a "bed" part of the night, she actually returned to her real bed later in the morning and had a wonderful sleep. She will be trying a new sleep aid my brother sent, as soon as she figures out how to take it according to instructions on the bottle. Thanks so much for praying.  

Thursday, August 11, 2016

MORE

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)

I do not enjoy reporting that it happened again, but Margie did not do well last night in her sleeping. Another trip to the family room and her lift chair, at least got her some rest. We are grateful for that. She saw her doctor yesterday, but there is really not much they can do, in that she normally reacts severely to prescription sleep meds. So we ask you to keep praying about it. We appreciate it. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

REPEAT

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.2 Chronicles 7:14

What a wonderful promise we have in these words; something for us all,
God instructs us to do some important things when we upon Him call.
Humility ranks high as God looks at us; our attitude is important to Him,
So bow before Him and walk humbly, keeping always your spiritual life trim.
When we turn away from wickedness, and look steadfast into His face,
He will hear us well, and do marvels indeed and fill us with His grace.
With sins forgiven, and communion restored, your days will blessed indeed,
You'll know His healing in all you do, and with His blessing you will succeed. (RP)

I wish I did not have to repeat this story of Margie's sleeplessness, but here we go again. Today she will be talking to her doctor about it. Last night she had to use her lift chair to try and get some sleep. Finally at 4 A M she returned to her bed and is still sleeping as I write this. I am thankful she is. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

NOT YET

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

What wonderful counsel is given us here, to follow every day,
Kindness in action is God's word to us as we walk in His way. 
Tenderness is possible only in Him; the Holy Spirit makes it so,
And forgiveness is the magic that if followed makes us grow. 
God has forgive each of His children, call us to do the same,
And when we follow these powerful rules, we truly exalt His name. (RP)

Each night we hope and pray Margie can sleep. Well, last night, she was awake again. Finally she fell asleep in her lift chair, and later on in the early morning returned to her bed and finished out the night. So we are glad for what rest she did get. Thanks for your prayers about this. We appreciate it. 

Monday, August 8, 2016

SON'S VISIT

1 Chronicles 16:11 
Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

What a wonderful goal for this 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 attended church at Hovander Park in Ferndale yesterday. It was cooler than we enjoyed, but made it through the service okay. The warmth of the car was welcomed as our son drove us to a restaurant for a meal. Later that afternoon he left for his home. We enjoyed his stay with us for a couple of days. Margie did not get off to a good start on her sleep again last night, but finally settled down. We are glad.  Thanks for praying. 

Sunday, August 7, 2016

BETTER

Mark 6:46 
And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.

The prayer life of Jesus is a lesson rich and instructive for all,
It's the greatest story of prayer I have read; none other can I recall.
When His tasks for the day were over, he climbed the mountain to pray,
And poured out His heart to the Father in a place alone, far away. 
When the pressures of life are upon us, do we take them to God in prayer?
Do we secretly ask such questions: Does God really care?
We are assured as we read God's Word that our heavenly Father sees,
Come to Him in prayer; He will certainly answer and your burden ease. (RP)

We are thankful that last night was better for Margie. She did get to sleep. Thanks for your prayers for her. We were privileged again to have our son and grandson here and we enjoyed having lunch with them. I still have frozen stuffed bell peppers in the freezer, and they gave us a nice meal, along with other things Margie fixed. Today, Lord willing, we attend morning worship service at Hovander Park in Ferndale. We trust your day goes well. 

Saturday, August 6, 2016

WHAT A NIGHT!

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)

Margie could not sleep so went into the family room to her lift chair. I also went to my Lazy Boy chair to be near her. She was complaining of her heart hurting. She took some over the counter help for that and eventually slept. But it was a poor night, to be sure. We pray it will improve tonight.  Thanks for praying. 

Friday, August 5, 2016

AGAIN

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We may wonder how we can obey this verse; we need help to learn how,
Just go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to give you wisdom right now. 
Each one of us can edify others,saying things that encourage and bless,
Keep at it each day and build that special one up, and never digress.
I think you are doing this right; it seems like you have tried and won,
Keep it up and improve your work; and stay faithful til your work is done. (RP)

Unfortunately Margie had another bad start to her night. She could not sleep. She went into the family room and rested in her lift chair for a long time. Eventually she was able to return to her bed. It seems from there it went okay. As I write this she is still in bed, and that is good. She has such a hard time with sleep. Yesterday's trip to the dentist went well. He put in a temporary filling until she can return for a regular appointment. Thanks for praying.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

DENTIST

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.1Sa 12:23

From this we see the power of prayer as we intercede for souls,
The prophet thought it sin indeed to cease to pray for men.
Can we do less than follow his steps?And do it over and over again? (RP)

Margie got a surprise when a large filling fell out of her tooth yesterday morning. Fortunately we were able to get an appointment this afternoon. The only negative about this is, it breaks into our afternoon prayer meeting.  But that is the way things go. Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

BETTER

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)

Thanks for praying. Margie had a good night. Yesterday was a busy day but she managed to keep going and at night slept well. We are thankful. Today is another full day. Thanks for praying

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

PRAYER REQUEST

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

The gospel message is so plain, John gives it to us here,
It is not hard to understand for it is very clear.
If you have the Son you are safe for sure,
Eternal life is yours and your future is secure.
I plead with you if you do not have the Son,
Believe in Jesus and the victory's won. (RP)

Please pray for Margie. She is having serious problems with sleep.  Last night she was awake until about 3 or 4 this morning. She has tried about everything. She was so discouraged this morning with her sleeplessness. We thank you for praying about this. 

Monday, August 1, 2016

HOPEFUL

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing;Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

There are many important things in the world; wisdom tops them all,
It matters not who you are, because this is for the great and small.
We are admonished to get wisdom;we should pursue it now,
When we get wisdom, understanding comes, this God does allow.
Wisdom means we do it God's way, and this is the best way to go,
And because He gives understanding, this too helps us grow. (RP)

I am hopeful now that I am on the mend. We did attend church yesterday. It was great to be there. So many approached us assuring of their prayers and interest. WE spent a very quiet day at home, gladly. Our son was here until Sunday morning, then returned home. His presence here was a blessing to us. He did many things for us which helped, given my weakness. Thanks so much for praying.