THE END IN SIGHT

And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.  John 1:16

With Jesus we have all, our cup is filled, there's nothing more we need.

There is no begging for more of Him, for more blessing we need not plead.

His grace so sufficient rolls on, in endless waves of more grace,And it will always be this way until we see His blessed face.  (RP)

I hesitate to tire you with more updates about the book, but after working the entire day yesterday, I firmly believe the end of the project is near,  I made wonderful progress and got all pictures done except one. I may not get that one, because I did not request it early enough. I went way beyond the limit set for my book, but realized that people really like to look at pictures. I trust the ones I chose will help. Thanks so much for praying.

GETTING CLOSE

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)

My book has 168 chapters. Pictures always dress up a page, and people like them as they read.  I am getting close to the end of my project, I believe. I had set apart many pictures from which to choose the ones I want for the book.  But as I started the project, I realized there were more that I should include. Because I labeled my pictures, I am able to do a search on the computer and come up with the ones I desire. It makes it so much better that way. I am now in the process of matching the placement of the pictures with the correct number, so the publisher will know which ones to insert in the places I have designated for them. I am hopeful that maybe even Monday I can send off the final manuscript to the publisher. Thanks for praying.

MY THOUGHTS ON HEALTH

2 Tim 2:19   Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

God's promise is sure and as strong as His name and is sealed with His loving concern,

And we read in the Word all the promises great and realize we have much to learn.

I'm so grateful He knows me; I belong to Him, and a warning He gives me today,

When we carry His name he instructs us with love, to depart from evil all the way.  (RP)

I am thankful for the health God has given me in my recovery. I never realized how involved things can get in coming out of an ordeal like this. It has been a fascinating journey, and the Lord is to be praised for it all. I still do not know if I will ever eat food completely by mouth, or be limited the rests of my days to the peg-tube in my stomach. It really matters not. I am accustomed to my present routine, and am content this way, if this is His will for me. Thanks to you all who have prayed, and continue to pray.  I appreciate you greatly. 

THE LIST GROWS LONGER

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28  

Come to Jesus is the plea, for the tired and depressed. 

He will calm your nervous spirit and make your life truly blessed.

So tired Christian come to Him and lay your burden at His feet,

He will lift that heavy burden and with rest you'll be complete.  (RP)

In the Christian life, there are always many things to pray about. Paul admonishes us to pray without ceasing. He is so right. Each day we read, or hear more things that need to be added to our prayer list. I hope each of you will be adding to your list. There was a time in my life I did not write down things, but that day has gone. I now write them so I will not forget. The list gets longer as we pray. How thankful I am for this recourse of prayer. Our church, our families, our country are only the tip of the iceberg of requests today. Let us together be prayer warriors for the Lord. Thanks for praying.

MORE OF THE SAME

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.

Psalm 143:8

Lord help me read your Word each day

And learn Your will for me

And make my life so full of You,

So others my Savior will see  (RP)

These days are pretty routine, and I am pleased with the progress. I did the prayer sheet for our church yesterday, then studied for Friday's class. I still had some time, so got back into the picture business. I finished the day with over half the book now with pictures scattered here and there. Maybe by this weekend I can complete the task. I hope so. It is nice having Rawlie here. Thanks for your prayer support. 

SAME THING

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

A timely word to believers is given in this verse,

We better pay attention not doing something adverse,

The command is very practical- and something we should do,

So begin today to practice it because it's all very true. 

The treatment we give each other is clearly outlined here,

What wonderful blessings will come forth as each one is sincere. (RP)

I am sure you yawn, hearing the same thing day after day. But blogs are about what I am doing. And at the present, it seems this project of getting the pictures correctly placed in my upcoming book, is the driving force.  I worked from 9:30 yesterday morning until last night getting some 25 in place. Even after spending literally hours selecting pictures, I found chapters that needed some I had not thought of before. At any rate, I am learning better how to find the pictures in my huge file. I know one thing is for certain. If you do not identify and name pictures as you take them, you will spend a lot of wasted time trying to find them. Thanks for praying. 

VISIT

I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. Psa 119:162  

God's Word is very precious; in its pages we find wealth.

All its teachings give instruction and all for spiritual health.

When we open the sacred Pages, how our hearts are filled with praise,

As we see amazing treasures, all designed to encourage and amaze.  (RP)

Yesterday was a great day at church, then in the afternoon Rawlie came. He will be with me for a a few days, doing his regular work here at my house. The internet connection here is good, he tells me, so it is easy to carry on his responsibilities right here.  I appreciate so much my family's support. I will continue on today placing pictures in my new book. Thanks for praying. 

LONG PROCESS

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

God does not promise days without trials, nights without troubles and a burden free life,

But we are so glad that in Him there is peace amidst all the problems and strife.

God cheers us with words of comfort divine for our souls that are tried by the fire,

And just knowing He overcomes the world is itself a word to inspire.  (RP)

Yesterday I worked on getting pictures into my book. I spent a good time before this for many days, looking through thousands of pictures on my laptop.  As I go through the manuscript, I decide which picture would be best for that story, then I indicate just where in the chapter the picture will be placed.  It is all an enjoyable exercise, but admittedly, time consuming. I worked most of the day and got very little done. Maybe now that I am in a better routine, I will get more done. I have good news for me, Rawlie is coming this afternoon to spend a few days with  me. He will do his regular work here at my house. Thanks for praying. 

SOMETHING NEW

Love never fails... 1 Cor 13:8 

Of all the things in the world, God's love is the greatest of all,

And it's scope is immense for sure, and it favors neither great nor small.

The love of Jesus excels all, when He paid the price for my sin,

And now I can shout, thank you Lord, for saving and taking me in.  (RP)

I enjoyed the Bible class Friday, and I think the members did too. We finished the book of Ruth. I handed out the study sheets for the book of Esther which we start next Friday. My dietitian from CORAM, explained that I no longer need to sterilize the equipment I use for the infusion process. I have for 7 or 8 months faithfully sterilized the items 4 times a day. That is a lot of steps to go through 4 times a day. She said I will now have a little more time. That is true. I started this process yesterday and indeed, it is very nice. Thanks for praying.  

QUESTION

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

There's only freedom in One, Jesus is His name,

No matter who you are we are all the same.

Jesus is the Truth and when we have Him as ours,

He takes away our sin and heals our sinful scars.  (RP)

For many months I have sterilized my syringe and other items used for the infusion process, four times daily. Lately the syringe gets harder to use for the next infusion. I use a new syringe each day, so many have been used in eight months. I called to ask if I could wash carefully the syringe after each use in hot soapy water and rinse it well, would that be okay.  The answer did not get back to me after the kind lady referred it to another person in the organization that handles such issues. Maybe today I will hear. On my own, I did what I described above, and it works much better. I will contact them today if they don't call me first. I am looking forward to the Bible class this morning. Yesterday I made all the preparations for it. Thanks for praying.

REFERRAL

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Prov 16:24  

Our words are so important; God tells us about them here.

When controlled by our heavenly Father, they are sweet and quite sincere.

Words are so important; they bring sweetness to our soul. 

And God directed speech even makes our body whole.  (RP)

I learned long ago that referrals are part of the process of getting medical help these days. I am sure all medical insurance companies have their own protocols, but this one is very important. When I had my lasts speech therapy session, the therapist was going to consult with a specialist about my case. As of yesterday, I have not heard back anything. I called and asked to put a message on her voice mail. I may have to restart the whole process by asking my family doctor to initiate the request. I need to see the speech therapist, but without a referral, it is impossible. Thanks for praying about this.

LITTLE BY LITTLE

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Ephesians 6:12

The spiritual battle for Christians is a serious matter indeed,

We must understand this struggle or we will never succeed.

The contest we face is demonic, and Satan strives to destroy,

So we arm ourselves with His armor, so His peace we can enjoy.  (RP)

I communicated with the publisher who is doing my book. The person in charge of my project is very helpful and I appreciate it. Two times I sent email questions, and she responded quickly.  I was particularly interested in how to do the mechanics of placing the pictures I have chosen for the book. She instructed me how to do it, and I began that process yesterday. It all takes time, but I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday I also worked up the prayer sheet for the church bulletin. There are always many things in that sheet for us to pray for. I enjoy putting it together each week. Thanks for standing with me in prayer. I appreciate each of you very much. 

OFF TO GREECE

Romans 1:20 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.

Men may pretend they nothing about God, but deceived and deceivers they are, 

For God has created each one with this gift, they clearly see God near and far.

Man knows there is power beyond himself, somewhere in the world out there,

And all nature speaks  to each of this power, and of it all are aware.

So when all life is over and men stand before God there is nothing they can say,

For man has no excuse before a holy God, and for his decision he will pay.  (RP)

Saturday night at the Robbins home, there was a farewell social time for these young men. Then Sunday morning we had special prayer for them. They will fly from Vancouver this morning to Montreal where they change flights, and go directly to Athens. Jebidiah Hively in the middle and the two brothers on each side, Benjamin & Jonathan Robbins, will study at the Greek Bible College for at least a year. Please pray for these fine, dedicated young men, who have a heart for God, and will do well as they pursue God's will for their lives. Thanks so much for praying.

TWO TIMES

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.Eph 2:10

To think God created us and gave us work to do,

Is an overwhelming fact to which we all agree.

So realize dear Christian, He created us to work, And chose us for this task so from this do not flee.(RP)

Sunday was a real nice day. We had a missionary presentation in Sunday School of work in S. Africa by Hans and Caroline Shauer. Rob Robbins brought us a thought-provoking message in the morning service on how we should listen to God in church. In the evening we returned for a Question and Answer time, along with treats (of which I did not partake).  We also had downpours throughout the day. We need the water, and lawns are already waking up with much greener appearances. Thanks for praying.

ATHEN BIBLE COLLEGE

I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. Psa 119:162   

God's Word is so rich and food for the soul, for the one who will search it out, 

And the spiritual food found in the pages clear, leaves no one with a doubt.

Finding treasures so great in this God-given Book is the best discovery of all,

So encourage your friends to examine this Book to find comfort, whether great or small.  (RP)

Last night it was a privilege to attend a farewell for three young men of our church. Jebidiah Hively and Benjamin and Jonathan Robbins will be leaving Tuesday, Lord willing, for a departure from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to Montreal, and on to Athens. We are proud of these godly young men who will further their biblical knowledge and be blessed, and be a blessing no matter where they are. It was a joy to meet in the Robbin's home with a host of friends to celebrate the occasion.  Thanks for praying. 

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN

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. (RP)

When the audiologist checked my hearing aids, she asked how I was doing with my hearing. I mentioned that in crowds I do not pick up the conversations well. She reminded me that my devices were already five years old and the technology now is much improved for this hearing deficiency. She said she would like me to come next time and try the new ones out with no obligation to buy. I agreed, because I told her I don't plan on spending that amount of money again. So we left it at that. I had a great day yesterday, filled to the brim with activity. I am grateful I can do what I did without tiring. Thanks for praying. 

VISIT

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor 5:7

I am glad we don't have to see what's ahead. right around the next bend,

We are only asked to walk by faith and totally on the Lord depend,

He knows so much better what's ahead and I can trust Him for that,

But if I go it alone and walk without Him, I know I will fall down flat.  (RP)

Margie's sister Barb and her husband Jim visited me yesterday. We had such a nice time talking about many interesting happenings through the years. While they were here, I gave Barb some medication Margie used, still new in the packages, that she also takes. How nice to find a useful way to use that medication rather than throw it away. This morning is Bible study and in the afternoon I go to the audiologist, for routine maintenance on my hearing aids. Thanks for praying. 

SLOW BUT SURE

Nehemiah 8:10..for the joy of the Lord is your strength

The source of joy for some, is from the things possessed,

But in the end most feel let down and so depressed.

God's way is so much better and surely gives one joy, 

Rejoice in God's gift of joy, and your strength no one will destroy.(RP)

I must confess that the motivation to keep going on my book project has been less than I desired. I thought for sure I would get it done in the summer, but one thing after another kept the wheels moving slowly. I am hoping and praying I can dive into the process more, and get it completed. I really want to. Thank you for helping me in prayer.  

.

TIME CONSUMING

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.John 10:11

Jesus the Good Shepherd cares for his own and gives His life for them,

Each one is very important to Him, even as a precious gem.

Jesus gave His life for us that we may be in Heaven with Him,

And with Him as  Savior and Lord you can be sure life is not dim.  (RP)

I guess I am naive. A simple purchase online, turned out to be a major process.  An item had to be returned because it was not correct, then when I ordered with another company, the credit card on file was not updated. With that fixed, I noticed they had two orders for the same item. Repeated calls for technical help, finally resolved the matter. Maybe I will receive the item this week. I am not holding my breath. In between all this I had a delightful time studying the book of Ruth Thanks for praying. 

RED JACKET

Then Moses said to the LORD,O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.   Exo 4:10

The job was big and Moses knew and thus he refused to serve,

Instead he gave excuses bold; I think he had his nerve.

I know that I would do the same so no complaints today,

Just learn to give a "yes" to God, when he enlists please don't delay.

We may not think we're eloquent and I am sure we're not.

But give Him what you have, dear friend and from it He'll make a lot.  (RP)

Going through thousands of pictures selecting pictures for my book is quite an exercise.  Each time a saw a spot of red, I looked, and usually it was a picture of Margie. That was her favorite color. I found her in so many of the shots I made. Of course those scenes brought up many memories, all very special. I hope I can get more done today on this project. Thanks for praying. 

DOWN TO FIVE

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 we are asked to sing,

So use your voice and shout it out and to the Lord your praises bring.

To all let us tell the good news today, of God's faithful leading hand,

And rejoice that you represent the Lord of Lords and do the things He planned.  (RP)

Another milestone in my tube feeding. Last week my dietitian reduced my daily input of nutrient cartons to five.  In January I started with eight, and later went down to seven, then six. Last week she took off one more. So now at 8 AM, I have two, at noon, one, and at 4 PM and 8 PM, I have one. With the soft food I take orally two times a day, plus cream of wheat, and later at night a yogurt, she thought we would give it a try and see how it works. The main thing is to maintain the proper calorie and vitamin and mineral level so I can continue with the good health I am enjoying. It is all very intriguing, and very interesting. Thanks for praying.  

MEMORIAL SERVICE

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.2 Th 3:13

Sometimes we grow tired and weary, and we don't know what to do,

God tells us simply to not grow weary, but there's something else for you. 

By doing good is the source of our strength so don't give up my friend,

Just keep on plugging, working for Him, and fully on Him depend. (RP)

Yesterday I attended Marilyn Reinstra's memorial service. I arrived early, as usual, so was able to talk to several before the service. I had not intended to say anything at the service, but when they announced an open time for comments, I decided I should say a few words. Marilyn was a member of the church when I was pastor. It was a beautiful service. Her brother Bob gave such a heart-warming eulogy of Marilyn. After the service I was not able to stay very long, because it was time for my infusion process. The rest of the day was partly spent going through more pictures to use in my book. Thanks for praying.

BIBLE CLASS

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mat 11:28

Oh the restless souls that surround us all around us in every place,

We pray they will meet the Savior and be saved by His loving grace.

Christ invites us to come to Him and receive spiritual rest today,

And those who come will find sweet solace not just now, but everyday.  (RP)

It was a blessing to start the Bible class again. All were enthused about being there. Class participation was very good and we enjoyed studying together Ruth chapter 2. We had two new class members. In the afternoon I spent more hours going through thousands of pictures, selecting the ones I want in my next book. I hope I can discipline myself to finish that process and get the book published. Thanks for praying.

READY

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)

Yesterday I got all the printing done for my class at the Ferndale Activity Center.  Our class for this season starts at 10:00 AM this morning. I am looking forward to it. It will be interesting to see how many show up for it. Cool weather is forecast for today, and even perhaps some rain. It was very warm yesterday, and the swamp coolers felt good.  Thanks for your prayers. 

RED TAPE

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Some things we think will last forever, but God has something to say,

His words, He declares, are here for good, and will never pass away. 

God will revamp all of heaven and earth in a future day he declares,

And when He does, it shows to all, just how much our loving Lord cares.

Our prayer is that you will come to the Lord, and receive Him as your own,

Then you will realize something great indeed; with Christ you'll never be alone.  (RP)

After an online purchase, I was alerted by the credit card company of the transaction who wondered if I had authorized it. I had, and so they were at ease. But the company from whom I purchased the item did not complete the deal, meaning the item was not shipped. I spent a good deal of time explaining that all was okay. The operator who took my call, thanked me for my kindness to her. I was pleased to share Jesus with her and she listened. Now I pray she thinks seriously about what she heard. Thanks for praying.

MISSIONARY MEETING

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

In an age of endless changes and of innovations rare,

We should all be on our guard, and try to be aware.

At times we easily forget that our God changes not,

And He knows all about us, and even our very spot.

Thank God He never changes: He always is the same,

And for all His blessings to us, we praise His holy name. (RP)

Kristin Caynor spoke at the missionary meeting yesterday afternoon. It was encouraging to hear this daughter of Rick and Lisa Caynor tell of her time spent with her folks who have just recently been led to Spain. She told of the the marvelous way God is working in the lives of the Spaniards. She wants to be involved, and now that she has graduated, can make plans for mission work. She was a blessing to our group, and we are praying she will receive adequate support to fulfill her desire to help her parents in Spain. Thanks for praying.

TWO THINGS

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." 

John 20:19

Fear is an awful thing, that besets many people today,

The disciples experienced it, so long ago on that day.

When we are fearful and tired and worn, we are in need,

Thank God Jesus is our peace, and will help you indeed.

Come, let Jesus calm your fearful and heavy-laden heart,

And when He does this, you will never want to depart. (RP)

Two main things today:  Rawlie sent me a text last night that they had arrived at their destination in Idaho.It was around 8:30. It was obviously a long trip. I spent some time getting the church prayer sheet completed and sent off to the secretary. I wanted to do some other things like paying bills, but it was a holiday and not all financial departments were functioning. I was surprised because even the ones that are usually automated, did not respond. Things were quiet around here on Labor Day.  Thanks for praying. 

PRAYER REQUEST

Psalms 33:12

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

A blessing is here promised to those who will heed God's call,

He will be their Savior if they truly seek Him and at his feet fall. 

He calls them chosen, and what a privilege to have this name,

To always seek His will in our way should be our desired aim.

Rest in the promise of God; let Him lead each step of the way,

Stay in His word and read often, and always be willing to pray.  (RP)

Rawlie and his family are leaving this morning for a few days of vacation in Idaho.  Please pray for safety on the road and a very special time while away. They are a praying and witnessing family, and Jesus will be shared with others while they are there. Rawlie was here at First Baptist in Ferndale, and was the worship leader. He was happy to minister while Raul was away for a family meeting. Thank you so much for praying. 

DOUBLE BLESSING

He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand. 

Daniel 4:35

Our God is a mighty God who moves at His own command,

He controls everything in heaven above, and in this great land.

Thank God, He knows what to do; we rest securely in Him,

And no matter what takes place our future never grows dim.

We give ourselves to His sweet care, and worry not a bit,

And daily read His Word for strength. and to His will submit.  (RP)

Yesterday my files were backed up safely and I prepared for my Friday Bible class which will start this week. I am thankful that these two concerns were resolved. Also, Rawlie arrived last evening and he will be directing the worship team at our church this morning. I am thankful for good health so far, and look forward to each day. I thank my many friends who faithfully pray.  It is my joy also to pray for you. 

PICTURES GALORE

Matthew 11:28  Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Jesus calls us, sweetly beckons, to His place of rest,

And when He calls we always know He knows best.

Come to Jesus as you are, and find just what you need,

He will answer in a beautiful way, and yes, you will succeed. (RP)

I worked all day yesterday on pictures. I need at least 30 for my book. I lost many of them somehow, but went into my external storage units and found about 10 gigabytes of graphics. That equals thousands of pictures. Now I must go through them to find just those few that will appropriately accompany the stories I tell in the book. I may not find exactly what I need, but at least I surely have plenty to peruse.  I appreciate your prayers so that I can complete the necessary steps in order to get the book published. Thanks for helping in prayer. It means very much to me.