Sunday, April 30, 2017

BEAUTIFUL DAY !

Malachi 3:6  "For I am the Lord, I do not change

I ponder today the gift of God's love; He does not change,
I am so glad for this and know it is not something strange.
We can always count on Him, because He is the same,
And because of this we can always praise His name. (RP)

What a beautiful day. We will be going down the hill to Sunday School soon, and we look forward to the time at church today.Yesterday we had a more leisurely day, but did go in to see Ione before lunch. Right now she is having a stent placed in the main artery that supplies blood to the bowels. We pray all goes well and she will get some relief. Thanks so much for praying. 


Saturday, April 29, 2017

CATCHING UP DAY

1 Timothy 6:17 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.

God warns the rich to be careful and never haughty be,
And He warns them to look to heaven and listen to His decree.
Uncertainties are abundant down here, and we should see what they are,
Riches are shaky for sure and the help they give is so far.
Trusting God brings enjoyment to all, so why not begin today,

Receive Christ as personal Savior and His peace will not go away.(RP)

Today we will use to get caught up on several items that need to be cared for. We look forward also to Sunday when we go to church. Yesterday's Bible class went well with a pretty good attendance and excellent input from class members. It is such a blessing. We trust your day goes well also. Thanks for praying.

Friday, April 28, 2017

A LET-UP

Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me!  Isaiah 44:21


What a Savior Israel has in the Lord our sovereign God. 
He loves them with everlasting love, that is very deep and broad.
His chosen ones now serve Him and forgotten will never be,
So rejoice today dear Christians and join the glad jubilee.(RP)

We are grateful for a let up in burial and funeral services. With yesterday's activities, we finished up 7 of those services in just a few weeks. We are so glad we can be of help. We look forward to Bible class this morning as we move through the book of Matthew. Thanks for your prayers.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

BURIAL AND FUNERAL

Rejoice always1 Thessalonians 5:16  

Tall orders come in packages small as we see what God asks us to do,
But please look closely in His word when His will you want to pursue.
Some folks are not happy most of the time so "rejoice" is not suited for them,
But they better wake up and the coffee smell, because here we have a gem.
Joy is the fruit of the Spirit and believers should display this grace,

Rejoicing always should be their way as they go from place to place. (RP)

Today we have the burial  and Celebration of Life services for Armond Daws, a long-time friend. Burial is at 1 pm and the service at 2:30. We do not expect many there because several we know cannot be there because of work.  I will take Margie to the hairdresser this morning. She will not go to the cemetery. It is too hard to manipulate the roller in the uneven surface of the burial spot. Last night we had an evening church fellowship meeting. A light supper was served, then a short singing time, followed by group discussions of last Sunday's sermon. Then we finished the evening with groups of prayer. Thanks for your  prayers. 

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

EVENING SERVICE

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?Rom 8: 

With God on our side dear believers, how can anyone lose,
For any who doubt His protection they should know He's the best to choose.
When God is for us, what comfort it gives our soul,
Knowing full well all is fine on our side and He has complete control.(RP)

Starting tonight we will have a service in our church each Wednesday evening. We look forward to this special time to be together. This morning I will be washing clothes, and make a trip to the county assessor's office to pay our property tax and apply for an extension on the senior discount they allow us. I trust all will go well on that trip. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

PROPERTY TAX

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

As seniors, we are entitled to a reduction on our property tax, if we qualify. Yesterday I spent all morning working on that. Today or tomorrow I will go to the courthouse and see if they accept it. It is my turn to be at the church today. I will be there until noon, then return home. Tonight I attend the elders meeting at the church. Margie will be by herself today, but she knows she can call, and I will be home in about 10 minutes. That's the system we have. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, April 24, 2017

BACK AT IT

Romans 1:20-21 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

God's portrait of man's heart is sad; how far away his drifting has gone,
The devil is calling from everyplace and to him many are sadly drawn.
 Our Lord's handiwork is seen in the world; they have no excuse.
Their rejection of him is sad and more darkened hearts they produce.
Refusing God's grace is an awful thing; hearts grow dark and without hope,

And the more they reject God's offer of hope, the more they are unable to cope.(RP)

This morning we will be back at it. I will clean the bathrooms, then begin my regular work for the week.  We have a burial service and funeral this week.I also must be prepared for the Friday Bible class. I have a few hours at our church tomorrow, plus an elder meeting in the evening. We are sure all this will keep us going. We are grateful we can serve. I had a wondeful Skype visit with Harold last night. I always enjoy that. Thanks for praying. 

Sunday, April 23, 2017

SURPRISE VISIT

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.John 16:33

In Christ there is genuine peace, in this world only trouble awaits,He alone can solve our problems, and give peace which He creates.He wants us to be content and face life with a cheerful smile,Because of His overcoming work, we can face every trial.
(RP)
What a nice visit from our son yesterday! He called and invited us to lunch in town. We had a great time, and he came to our house and spent the night. He will return home this morning. We welcome new members this morning at church. I have chosen a verse for each one and will present it to them when they are voted in. We pray this will be a wonderful day for each of you. Thanks for praying.  

Saturday, April 22, 2017

PREPARATION

John 1:11-12 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:


When Jesus came to the Jews, He was not received by them.And because of this rejection, all He could do was condemn.But when Jesus is received, eternal life to them He imparts,They become children of God, receiving cleansed, pure hearts.(RP)

I am glad for some extra time to get things done before time runs out. Yesterday I spent the afternoon going through Armond Daws' Bible, gathering gems to use in the funeral service next Thursday afternoon at his service. The Bible class yesterday morning went well and we always enjoy the fine participation of the members as they contribute to the discussion of the text. Thanks for praying.

Friday, April 21, 2017

JASON NIGHTINGALE


There is power in the name of the Lord, like a very strong tower,
A place where one can take refuge from someone trying to devour.
God's children find safety in Him as they run for help to this place,

And the consolation He gives is a reminder of His love and grace. (RP)

The stunning announcement that Jason Nightingale died after heart surgery was a blow to all of us. We are grateful he is now with the Lord. His ministry of being able to quote huge portions of Scripture - even entire books of the New Testament, by heart, was inspirational. How the world will miss him. He mentioned before his surgery that a great team will help carry on the ministry of Wordsower International. The many orphanages and care ministries around the world will continue, we pray. Pray for Jason's family, his wife Sharon and their children. Thanks for praying.


Thursday, April 20, 2017

SHAIR AND PRAYER

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8

There is a debt that everyone owes, God tells us about it here,
For those who listen to His command, they get the message clear.
The debt we owe is love itself, and we express it to each one,

When this is done we fulfill the law and honor God's dear Son. (RP)

We are back on track now for the rest of the week. The graveside service went well yesterday except for the very high winds. They were also COLD. It did not rain, for which we were thankful. I was able to park the car near the burial place, so Margie could enjoy the entire service without getting out of the car. It was very nice. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

GRAVE SIDE SERVICE

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.Psalm 119:111

God's Word is our foundation, on it we firmly stand,
Our heritage secure, and the guidance of His hand.
His joy is ours forever, given us by His great love,
And all this comes so freely from our Father up above. (RP)

This afternoon I have the graveside service for Kay Boykin, a long-time friend at First Baptist. Yesterday we returned to Bellingham to get some medications for Margie. I will be working more on our Friday class when we return from the service. I am not behind, but want to be well prepared for the class session. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

AT THE OFFICE

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.Proverbs 18:10

There is power in the name of the Lord, like a very strong tower,
A place where one can take refuge from someone trying to devour.
God's children find safety in Him as they run for help to this place,

And the consolation He gives is a reminder of His love and grace.(RP)

My eye exam went well yesterday and I have new prescriptions for glasses. My eyes haven't changed much in several years. This morning I go to church, just to be on hand in case anyone may want to talk to me. And a friend is coming in to make arrangements for a burial service also, which will take place tomorrow. I may go back to town this afternoon to return some items purchased yesterday which Margie discovered we do not need. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, April 17, 2017

MY TURN

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)

Today is my turn for the eye doctor.  I am going for the two year exam. I think my prescription will change. I use a full reading lens to do the computer work and Bible reading, and bi-foculs for regular use while driving, etc. We had a good Resurrection Day. Morning breakfast at church was very good, and the morning service was a delight with Matt Whitehead preaching. We had a leisurely day at home. Margie fixed us swiss steak with all the trimmings. It was GOOD!  Thanks for praying 

Sunday, April 16, 2017

HE IS RISEN

Matthew 28:6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

The women came with spices that resurrection morn.
Prepared to anoint His body but in their hearts forlorn.
Arriving at the tomb, an angel met them there,
With assuring words of comfort and hope for their despair.
To prove the Lord had risen he showed them the empty spot,
Which reminded them of His words which apparently they forgot.(RP)

This morning we go to the church for  breakfast on this special day. Resurrection Sunday is a blessed day and what an opportunity to present Christ to some who do not attend church regularly. We plan on having a leisurely day. In prior days we drove to Stanwood to be with our family, but this year we will stay home. We trust your day will be a blessing. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, April 15, 2017

OUTLOOK OUT !

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6: 33.34


What a recourse we have in our faith, as we seek first God's kingdom each day, 
The things God wants us to have will be given us along the way. 
Never worry about things we don't have, for God knows what's best for us,
So don't get up tight and be frantic with life and spend all your time in a fuss.
Each day is filled with trouble enough, so just trust God to supply your need,
Trusting Him every day and resting in Him is certainly a blessing indeed.(RP)

For years we have used Microsoft Outlook to bring in our Juno mail. Ever since I upgraded to 2016 Outlook, things have gone wrong. Yesterday I decided to leave Outlook on the sidelines and go just for Juno. I have tried everything and it keeps acting up. Last night we attended the Good Friday service at our church. Our speaker got caught in traffic returning from Vancouver, so other arrangements were made to make the service go smoothly. It did and we were happy to have a part in it. Thanks for praying.


Friday, April 14, 2017

GOOD FRIDAY

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.  
II Corinthians 9:15

We thank God everyday for blessings He bestows,
There are so many, who can count them, who really knows?
A gift each Christmas we'll not forget, is God's greatest one to us,
The unspeakable gift called Jesus, is for each of us a great plus.(RP)

Many will gather tonight to worship and remember the story of Jesus, and how He gave His life to redeem mankind. We look forward to the service at our church. This morning we go to Bible class also. We were sorry that a dear friend who was just released from the hospital had to return because of complications. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 


Thursday, April 13, 2017

PERMANENT

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.


A solemn word from the Lord today about Christians and the judgment seat,
At this appointed place, someday every believer in Christ will meet.
Our lives will pass in review that day, before Jesus the Judge of the earth,
And everything we've done will be examined as to its worth.
So much will be burned as rubbish, because it was not done for the Lord,
But for everything done to honor Him, He has promised us reward.(RP)

Margie gets a permanent this morning. All of a sudden her hair was unmanageable, so she scheduled an appointment to get it fixed. I will do some shopping while she is at the shop. I am making good progress on the Bible class for Friday. Thanks so much for praying. 

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

DEATH OF A SAINT

Then Moses said to God, Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me, What is His name? what shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And He said, Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. Exodus 3:13-14



The names of God are important to us and reveal to us very much,
In fact His names help us all through life and bring us the Master's touch.
For each of our needs, He has a name that helps, displaying His loving care, 
If you doubt God's help don't forget his I Am because it's always there,
When we are aware of the I AM who speaks, there's nothing for us to fear,
He supplies what we need with His special name and we know he is always near.(RP)

We received word this morning that our friend Kay Boykin died last night. She was 94. I had prayer with her and part of the family yesterday at her bedside. She is now with the Lord. Today we are at our regular duties of making beds, washing and drying and ironing clothes. Margie does as much as she can. It is a very rainy day, but it is rather mild. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

NEW DISCOVERY

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. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength  Acts 3:6-7



This crippled man for many years, tried in vain for a cure,
On this special day news came for him, a man so very poor.
Peter preached in Jesus' name, and took him by the hand,
And then gave him a word so sweet rise up my friend and stand.(RP)

Yesterday Margie had a pressure test at the eye doctor, then we stopped at several places to do some necessary shopping. It all takes time, and before we knew it, the time was 1:30 when we arrived home. While in town we went to a new place that someone mentioned to us. It is called Gluten Free Angels. Everything they sell is gluten free. Margie got a few items to try out. We were surprised to find this place. As always, we thank you for praying.

Monday, April 10, 2017

EYE DOCTOR

Psa 32:1   Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. 

The forgiveness of God - what a precious thought as we look at His Word today,
What love He has shown and grace displayed as we walk along this way
When God covers sin it is covered indeed and happy the man who gains all

And a word to the proud ones who reject God's love, you'll be lost if you continue to stall.(RP)

We enjoyed our church service yesterday. It was nice to meet new people there. This morning we take Margie to the eye specialist for her regular exam. This is different than the retina specialist. We will do some light shopping while in town. As usual, there is plenty of rain. 
We were shocked yesterday when one of our Bible class members at the Senior Center called to tell us it was her husband who was killed on the freeway Saturday when a car hit him. For some reason there was something in the dividing strip of the freeway he wanted to look at. Unfortunately this took his life. Please pray for his widow, Massai, Thanks for praying.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

PALM SUNDAY

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.)

Pastors today will be giving messages, we are sure, about Jesus' ride into Jerusalem. The story is rich and we know it is the beginning of a drama-filled week, which ended in His crucifixion. We pray your day goes well and that we all will rejoice in the wonderful story of Jesus who came to seek and to save the lost. Thanks for praying.

Saturday, April 8, 2017

HIGH WINDS

Revelation 21:4
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”


Oh the joy of looking upward to our home beyond the skies,
When we see our Savior, Master, and look into His eyes.
God's handkerchief will be busy, on that blessed future day,
When with love and great compassion he will wipe our tears away.
Graveyard markers will be history cause all death has had its end,
No more pain or sorrow will touch us and eternity with Him we'll spend. (RP)

Yesterday was a record, it seems. One report had gusts of wind in this city clocked at 84 mph. Wow, what a wind! Thankfully no outages were reported that we are aware of, and around our place all seems to be normal. The garbage cans were sliding down the street. I put our neighbor's one away and ours. At one point I saw a saucer-shaped garbage can lid fly out of driveway and it went so fast, I am sure it will never be found again. Today they forecast more of the same. Thanks for praying. 

Friday, April 7, 2017

AGAIN

1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Humble Christians are God's desire for every one of us,
For all who follow His command for them it is a plus.
He exalts each one who humbly walks this road,
As you cast your care on Him, He will gladly take your load.(RP)

We are glad it's Friday already. Our Bible class is one of the big events of the week. We know some are not able to be with us today because of illness or other reasons, but it will be nice to be in the book of Matthew stuidying. Our son arrived last night, so he will join us for some meals while he is busy working on one of their rental places. Thanks for praying.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

MEMORIES

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7.
Worry is a common ill, that seems to get us all,
And Paul here gives some help for us so that we will never fall.
Prayer is the cure for worry we know and what a joy to know
The peace and a guarded heart and mind- what more could He bestow.
So Christian, give your worries to Him with prayer and a thankful heart,
And you will experience His blessings galore and a peace that will not depart.

Yesterday was loaded with memories. In the morning we helped plan the memorial service for our dear friend Armond Daws. In the evening his daughter and son-in-law took us to Anthony's for supper. Armond did this for years. Last night was the first time it happened without his presence. What great memories. Thanks for praying.



Wednesday, April 5, 2017

TWO MEETINGS

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

God calls us come to the place of prayer and call upon Him for our needs,


And when you do His mercy and grace every expectation exceeds.
(RP)

We meet with Armond's daugther this morning to make arrangements for his Celebration of Life service at our church April 27. This evening they have invited us to meet them at Anthony's Restaurant for a meal. That will be a special time.  Today is wash day at the Poulsons, so that keeps us going. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

FULL DAY

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus...
Some teach there are many ways to God,
Deceived they, but onward they plod.
If they only knew Jesus who is the Way,
How happy they'd be in their life each day.
For man to reach heaven and see God some day,
Each must come to Jesus and His command obey.(RP)

Today is my day to be at church. I will be there to talk to folks who drop in, and also work on other church related projects on my computer. Margie will be finishing the rhubarb jam she started yesterday,  Missionary meeting is this afternoon and I also have elder meeting tonight. That coupled with a stop at Walgreen's to take advantage of senior discount day, will keep us busy today. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, April 3, 2017

BEAUTIFUL DAY

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

It’s hard to learn this lesson, Lord for we who are so weak,

But give us faith & courage, Your will to always seek.(RP)

We awakened to a beautiful day. The sun is shining brightly. The grass is growing and I notified the yardman to come and take a look at it. This week we will meet with Armond Daw's family concerning his service toward the end of the month. Yesterday was a blessing for me at our church. I preached, then concluded the membership class after the morning service. Thanks for praying. 

Sunday, April 2, 2017

PREACHING

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'llgive you a future with hope and from this He never will tire.(RP)

I have the privilege of preaching this morning at our church. I always appreciate this opportunity. Yesterday I spent time putting the finishing touches on it. I also spoke to the daughter of Armond Daws about his funeral service. Linda and Carl were loving caregivers for Armond the last years of his life. I told Margie tthat I will have to call the yard man soon so he can start mowing the lawn.  Right now as I type this, Margie is in the kitchen icing the cookies she made yesterday. They are for the Welcome Room fellowship after church this morning. Thanks for praying.

Saturday, April 1, 2017

TWO IMPORTANT NOTICES

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 10:29-30

To be linked to Jesus is a wonderful thing; from Him we learn so much,
His gentleness and loving heart refresh us because of his tender touch.
In Him there is rest for troubled souls; seek Him and you will find out,
His yoke is easy and His burden light; with Him there is never a doubt.(RP)

My brother Ernie had his 91st birthday in Singapore yesterday. They are a day ahead of us. Siang sent videos of some of the greetings he received.  Today we celebrate his birthday here. Happy Birtdhday Ernie !! Then this morning early, I received a text from Linda Coonrod, that her dad, Armond Daws died at 11 pm last night. He had been lingering for several days. A friend for many years. Armond would have been 98 his next birthday. Pray for my brother as he still has a great ministry. We are proud of him. Thanks for praying.