Wednesday, May 31, 2017

CHANGE OF WEATHER

He shall cover you with His feathers,And under His wings you shall take refuge;His truth shall be your shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4

The protection of our Father as he takes care of His child,
Is the sweetest story known that has ever been compiled.
Like a bird who cuddles her babies, neath her feathers oh so warm,
Is how God cares for each one and takes them through the storm. 
I thank God for His protection over me from day to day, 
And will never cease to praise Him for with Him all is okay.(RP)

The changes in weather are amazing. It was so warm we used water coolers last week, and now it is raining. We had a cancellation for lunch today, so now we will stay home and eat here. Tonight is the weekly church fellowship evening. A close friend of ours is in the hospital now. She suffered a stroke and we believe the end is near. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

BACK TO WORK

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your Yes,be Yes, and your ;No,No, lest you fall into judgment.  James 5:12

It makes a difference, yes it does, the words we say each day,
God gives the orders and it's up to us if we really will obey
We are not to swear in any way, but let our words positive be,
Doing this God's way we are on the right road and to this His words agree.
His judgment will fall on disobedient ones and their lot is sad indeed,
For no one can go against God's commands and ever expect to succeed.
(RP)

Many who observed the holiday yesterday will be back to work this morning. Our son took this day off, so this morning we will again visit Starbucks. After that I will go to our church where I work for about 3 hours. The very warm weather has been replaced this morning by cloudy skies, and cool wind. Rain is predicted. What a change! We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 



Monday, May 29, 2017

MEMORIAL DAY

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’s okay. (RP)

Memorial Day was remembered in our church yesterday. A very appropriate video was shown. I also had the privilege of interviewing Dinho & Ginny Pereira. It was an opportunity for our church family to hear about their work in Brazil. They have been there 45 years. Our son arrived last night to spend some time with us. This morning we are going for coffee. That is always enjoyable. We trust this day will be a blessing to you. Thanks for your prayers. 

Sunday, May 28, 2017

INTERVIEW

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

In an age of sinking sand and uncertainty, it's nice to have something  secure,
And we are thankful we have in God a place and a person that is sure.
Our refuge is in Him, our eternal God, holding us by His great power,

And we are secure and kept this way every moment and every hour.(RP)

This morning at church I have the privilege of interviewing Dinho & Ginny Pereira, missionaries to Brazil with United World Mission. They do camp work there and have developed a wonderful program and have a fabulous site where it all takes place. We have known them for many years. Our son arrives this afternoon to spend Memorial Day with us. We look forward to this. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, May 27, 2017

WARMING UP

 John 16:33 "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."

Jesus is peace for those who believe; He is our all in all,
We received Him as Savior and we gladly at his feet fall.
His words to us are enlightening; they give us what we need,
And all who have come this way, about this are agreed.
In this world tribulation abounds; He told us it would be this way,
But cheerful we must be, because He helps us when we pray. (RP)

It is natural to talk about the weather. It is definitely warming up here. I think I will need to get the fans and coolers out, because tomorrow hotter weather is predicted. Memorial Day will be quite warm we are told. Today we will try to get a head start on our week's activities. We had a great time in our Bible class yesterday. We are pleased the way the members participate. Thanks for praying. 

Friday, May 26, 2017

HERE WE GO

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)

Every Friday its "here we go", as we make our way to Bible class. The weather is beautiful and getting warmer each day. Our class will go until June 23, then we will take a break until school starts again. We had a full day yesterday, but that is normal around here. We trust you all have a great day. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, May 25, 2017

ON THE GO

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

Without God our future is so dim and depression sets right in,
If we do not change our course, we are worse than we've ever been.
Man cannot do for you what God really wants to do,

So take Christ into your life and He will gladly see you through.(RP)

Margie got the injection in her shoulder as I reported yesterday. Then we had quite a grocery list, which I took care of at Fred Meyer. Margie stayed in the car while I shopped. In the evening we went to church for the Wednesday night church fellowship time. It starts with a light supper and there was a pretty good attendance. So our days seem to be filled with plenty of activity. We were thrilled to received a call from our good friend at Shepherds, Dan Di Donato. We get to see him next week when he will be on business here in the area. Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

PAIN INJECTION

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1

We may not think we sing so well but our voice to God is swell,
And I pray that God will help me as His faithfulness to others tell.
Help my mouth to always praise Him for His faithfulness so true,

And let those around me know this that His love you can't outdo.  (RP)

This morning Margie goes for an injection in her left shoulder. This pain killer does not kill the pain, but at least makes it less. The shoulder is bone on bone. Replacement surgery is not recommended at her age. The pain is intense. Please pray we can find some other medication to help. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

LUNCH WITH MISSIONARIES

Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.Mat 18:21-22

Forgiveness for some is so very hard and for each of us is a chore,

But when we obey and practice this rule God gives us so much more.(RP)

After my morning at the church office, Margie and I will entertain missionaries at a nearby restaurant for lunch. Helen Steele worked in Greece for a number of years. Fivos Montagiosos is presently working in Alto Peru. We look forward to the fellowship today. Tonight I attend an elders meeting, so my day is pretty well filled. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, May 22, 2017

WEATHER

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? Mat 6:27

Worry:the king of deception, convincing millions it wants to control,
This pursuit is unrewarding; it agitates but does not console.
God says we can't add an inch by being a worry wart,
So give it up dear friend, and to God's will resort. (RP)

We are expecting warmer temperatures today. If it does, I will get out the evaporation coolers to help minimize the heat in the house. Yesterday we attended the services at our church. Unfortunately, the speaker did not project his voice, so I was unable to hear most the message. I hope he does better next Sunday. We spent a leisurely afternoon and in the evening watched our favorite Christian program, Rejoice in the Lord. We trust you have a god week. Thanks for praying. 






Sunday, May 21, 2017

SKYPE

Your word I have hidden in my heart,That I might not sin against You.  Psalm 119:11

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)

Modern technology is amazing. Last night, and many other times, we spoke with my brother Harold in Anchorage. This Skype program is ideal, the audio is perfect and certainly the price is right. The same program links us to Singapore, where Ernie, our brother is a missionary. Today is beautiful here in Ferndale. We are told by the weatherman that tomorrow the temperature will be 75 or more. We look forward to church today. Thanks for praying. 


Saturday, May 20, 2017

TIME WITH FIVOS


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)

Last evening quite a number of our church family gathered at Marianne Brudwick's house for a very delightful time with missionary Fivos Montagiosos, who is presently ministering in Alto Peru. He is supported by our church. He led our time of worship and fellowship. It was a very special time. Yes, and there was food. Margie and I were thankful we could attend and receive this blessing. Thanks for praying. 

Friday, May 19, 2017

FAVORITE

Mat 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

What a man says goes deeper than this, it comes from a sinful heart,
The defilement of sin is the cause of all this showing man really needs a right start.
Through Christ there's redemption and a purified heart, giving man a new start in life,

Receiving His gift by faith today you will end your bad talk and the strife. (RP)

This seems to be our favorite day.  We enjoy the Bible study time at the Ferndale Senior Activity Center. The class is a blessing to us. We are learning much from the study in the book of Matthew. The days are still cool, but I heard this morning on the radio that warm weather is coming Monday. We will see. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, May 18, 2017

A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak...Eccl 3:7

God's timing is always right, and He’s the father of it,
And everything we do has a certain place to fit.
Just give to Him your time and let Him all things work out,
And with Him in full command, there’s really never a doubt.(RP)

Yesterday at the doctor's, Margie received word that her lab work was okay. We were pleased to hear this. The doctor also followed up on her recent trip to the E R.  In the evening we attended the church fellowship. One of the nice parts of this time is when groups review last Sunday's message. It is a blessing. Thanks for praying. 


Wednesday, May 17, 2017

DOCTOR

My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.Proverbs 1:10

God's word is so practical, instructing parents to do right,
If their children listen to them their future will be bright.
So when sinners entice your children, give them God's advice.
Don't consent to their tempting, and your results will be precise.(RP)

Margie has an appointment this morning, a follow-up to her recent trip to the emergency ward last Thursday night. While in Lynden, we will stop at our favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch. Tonight we have the church fellowship also. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

EYE DOCTOR

Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard thatJesus made and baptized more disciples than Johnthough Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples,He left Judea and departed again to Galilee.But He needed to go through Samaria.John 4:1-4

Jesus walked in obedience to the Father, so to Samaria he NEEDED to go,
What a display of surrender was shown as He faithfully walked here below.
Are we living close to the Lord, desiring always to do His will?

I pray we all are. so the joy will be ours as we obediently His commands fulfill.(RP)

My appointment at the doctor's went well, and my eyes are still pretty good. No needed work is necessary except regular glasses. We are thankful. I did some shopping in town while I was there. The rest of the day I worked on paying bills and studying for Friday Bible class. This morning I go to the church and stay there til noon. Tonight I have an elder meeting. Margie is getting a little bit stronger each day after her unforgettable trip to the E R last Thursday night. Thanks for praying.

Monday, May 15, 2017

A GREAT DAY

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"Mat 6:27

Worry:the king of deception, convincing millions it wants to control,
This pursuit is unrewarding; it agitates but does not console.
God says we can't add an inch by being a worry wart,
So give it up dear friend, and to God's will resort.(RP)

What a great day Mother's Day. Margie was still qluite weak from here session in the ER, but she did okay. The family came here to our place after lunch and we served angel food cake, ice cream with chocolate sauce and or whipped cream. I made lattes for those who wanted them. We visited and later they left for their home in Stanwood. Margie received such a special card from Rawlie. We are thankful for our family. Thanks for praying. 

Sunday, May 14, 2017

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Proverbs 31:28
      Her children rise up and call her blessed;
      Her husband also, and he praises her:

We're blessed today on Mother's Day to honor them one and all
Asking God to help and bless them as upon His name we call.
Mothers deserve to be treated this way on this very special day
For all they do in countless ways their love to family convey.
Children today are arising to bless their mother dear,
And husbands praising them highly for they are so sincere.
Will you join the millions in singing your praises to your dear one,
And prove to them sincerely they really can't be outdone. (RP)

We trust that each of you mothers has a beautiful day. We are taking it very easy because Margie's trip to the ER late Thursday night, pretty well "zapped" her. We had planned on attending the baby dedication of a close family member this morning, but Margie is unable to do it. Our son wants to treat her to a meal, so she will try to do that. We are sure she will be glad to spend the rest of the day quietly at home. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, May 13, 2017

SLOW PROCESS

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7 

Things happen when you trust the Lord; it is thrilling to know what they are,
Our strength and shield He becomes for us, and these blessings will take us far.
He helps us and gently leads us along, as we trust Him day by day,
And rejoicing pours out from my heart, as together we walk this way. 
When we see what God really does for us, our lives give forth with a song,
We cannot be still, and soon let others know, and we praise Him all day long.(RP)

After the ER episode, Margie was pretty well exhausted. I was able to go teach the Bible class, and had no trouble. I had less than two hours of sleep when I taught it. Today Margie is still pretty well worn out. Rawlie reserved a place at the restaurant for Mother's Day, so she will try to be strong enough for that. That is about all she will be able to do. Thanks for praying. 

Friday, May 12, 2017

TRIP LAST NIGHT TO E.R.

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,But he who restrains his lips is wise.Proverbs 10:19


So many words we speak each day and  at times they aren't very wise,
We're prone to let words slip, resulting in a surprise. 
Sin appears in the multitude of words, so let's all be careful and wise,
Restrain your lips from unholy thoughts and be right in our Savior's eyes.(RP)

Before midnight last night we were in E.R. in Bellingham. Margie a-fib was acting up. Her heart was pounding. She needed the trip to emergency. They got her stabilized and by 4 am we were back home. Her blood pressured dropped so she had to stay until that was normalized through medication. We are glad to be home. We were supposed to have a family meal with Margie's siblings, but that has been cancelled. I will teach the Friday class. Margie insists I do that. She knows she can call me anytime and I will come home, no matter what. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, May 11, 2017

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CHURCH FELLOWSHIP

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Mat 5:14   

How prone we are to hide the light Jesus gives to us,
Don't hide the light but let it shine, and don’t make such a fuss.
Lights on hills shine brightly and we are those lights you see,

So stand for Christ, let your light shine and thus fulfill God's decree.(RP)

We enjoyed the fellowship meeting last night. It started with a light supper (very good), then several people read Ruth 1-2. Then we divided into different groups to discuss last Sunday's message. After that we had a time of prayer to conclude the evening. There was a pretty good attendance, and we hope that will continue. Thanks for praying. 






Wednesday, May 10, 2017

LAB WORK

Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me  .John 14:6

The gospel is simple for people like me, and is easy for most to see,
In Jesus there's life for those who will trust, and to this we readily agree.Ye
Those wanting Heaven must get there God's way. and this through Jesus alone,
And any who delay in doing what's right will be sorry if this decision they postpone. (RP)

Margie goes in a few minutes to the local lab for some routine tests her doctor ordered. I will stop for a Starbucks on the way back. Yesterday my time at the church was busy, with several drop in visits, etc. Tonight we attend the church fellowship time from 6-8. I am working on advanced study questions for the Friday Bible class. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

AT CHURCH TODAY

Call to Me, and I will answer you, 
and show you great and mighty 
things, which you do not know.  
(Jer.33:3)

Lord help me learn to call 
And before your presence fall
So that I can then recall
All your blessings large and small
(RP)

This is my day to be at the church in case someone drops in for a visit or help in anyway. It reminds me of days before when we sat in the same office for 18 years. Great memories. We had a full morning and part of the afternoon yesterday. We were glad to be back home. We have had plenty of sunshine, but the temperature is still cool (to us). We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, May 8, 2017

FOOT DOCTOR

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.  James 5:19-20


Christians who help each other walk obediently in God's way,
Do such a wonderful favor to the one who's gone astray.
Turning sinners from the error to the road He desires for them,
The Lord will save that man and his soul He won't condemn..(RP)

This morning Margie goes to the foot doctor for a regular check up. After that we have several places we must go, for supplies needed at home. Yesterday we had a good day at church. A short business meeting after church was called, to approve a proposal by the city to purchase a portion of the property in order to make improvements on the street. That was approved, and construction begins in June. Thanks for your prayers. 

Sunday, May 7, 2017

OFF TO CHURCH WE GO

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.
The sowing and reaping go hand in hand and soon the verdict will fall..(R.P.)

It is a beautiful day. We will be going down the hill to Sunday School and church in about an hour from now.  Yesterday Margie made a jello salad and we gave some to two of the ladies of our church who are unable to attend. We gave a stuffed green pepper also to one, because we knew she likes them. We have a new guest speaker at our church today. We have not heard him, but pray his ministry will be a blessing to all. Thanks so much for praying. 

Saturday, May 6, 2017

KITCHEN WORK

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. James 3:10


A reprimand is in order here as we read this verse today,
ecause it's very important the things we daily say.
How sad to hear cursing from believers; this should never be,
Let's learn to only bless because to this we all agree.
For Jesus sake let's clean up our speech and don't use bad language again,
By doing this we'll please the Lord, and be happier than we've ever been.(RP)


Margie is in the kitchen, preparing something to share with a couple of shut-ins, today. I just returned from the store getting some ingredients for her. It started out with a lot of sunshine, but now it is cloudy. There are many garage sales in town today. Next week there will be more of them. I get back into the books today, preparing more for the next Bible study. We had a good turn out for the study yesterday. Thanks for praying. 


Friday, May 5, 2017

BACK TO NORMAL

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

We have the Lord who is available, access to Him is sure,
We come boldly to Him in prayer, whether wealthy or poor.
Our confidence is based on faith in Christ, this is the entrance pass,
And thank God for the privilege of prayer that nothing can surpass.(RP)

Yesterday it was so warm, we used the air conditioner in the car.  By last night a thunderstorm came and drenched us. What a difference!. Now today things seem to be back to normal around here, We are going to Bible study in a couple of hours. We pray your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, May 4, 2017

WARM WEATHER

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... Romans 1:20 
God made sure when this world began than man is without excuse,
But when they stand before His Throne, they will have an answer to use.
But all mankind knows the power of God displayed in His creation here,
So the excuses of men will be weak at the best, and their doom will be very clear.
So sinners are invited to Jesus to today to partake of His salvation free,
And join all the saints of the ages past in the glorious and joyous jubilee.(RP)

We awakened this morning to a bright sunshiny day. I noticed the wind was cool, but the weatherman said the temperature would be 70 or more today. That is unusual for sure. Margie goes to the hairdresser at 9:45, and this afternoon we have prayer meeting. Last night's church fellowship was good, and pretty well attended. We are praying more will give it a try. Thanks for praying.  





Wednesday, May 3, 2017

WASH DAY

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:3

When we received Christ we died with Him because of our faith in Him,
And secure we are in Christ our Lord and we'll never be out on a limb.
Rejoice with me in your positionarly tin Christ, we are hidden with Christ in God,

And no better place in the universe can be found as we onward trod. (RP)

With several other things to do, this is wash day. Early this morning bed sheets were changed, showers were taken and now we are washing clothes. As soon as I get this blog completed, then I will begin study on my Friday class. I make study sheets to hand out at the class. I enjoy making these, so I have to keep ahead of the class to accomplish this. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

OFFICE DUTY

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

It is not really DUTY, it is a privilege. Each Tuesday I sit in the pastor's office at church and work. If people come by, we visit and pray together. I enjoy it.  It is also a time to have prayer with the secretary as she starts her week at the office in church. As elder I can help with questions and give her a project we need work on. Last Sunday was Matt Whitehead's last Sunday at our church. Tonight the search committee begins again looking. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, May 1, 2017

BACK TO BUSINESS

The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD is the maker of them all.  Prov 22:2

When we stand before God we are all the same, there's no rank, position or class,
Whether rich or poor, sickly or well before God you can't pay for a pass,
Common ground before God is the place where we stand, no one can boast any thing,

We stand before Him in our helpless estate, and we can only our sin to him bring.(RP)

This week promises to give us plenty to do, for which we are thankful. We thank the Lord for strength and desire to be able to do what is before us. We had a good day yesterday at church, but were sorry that it was Matt Whitehead's last Sunday with us. He is moving to Boise, ID. This morning I will do a couple of things related to housework, then continue on preparations for next Friday's Bible class. I also must get a prescription for Margie. She is going to call her allergist doctor for a refill in some of the drops she takes daily. Thanks for praying.