COMMUNICATION

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us . . . . 2 Peter 3:9a

The Lord has given us promises galore; all of them are in the Book,

We should often open it, and examine things well, taking a closer look.

God takes pleasure in making these vows; He never slacks at all,

He always does His best for us, and does this no matter what may befall.

I am so glad He is patient with us and time seems no problem with Him,

Some may mock and think God does not care: the chances of this are slim.(RP)

We are happy for modern technology that provides such great communication possibilities with family. Last night we had a very nice visit with Siang in Singapore via Skype. Later my brother Harold called and we were able to resolve several matters concerning the memorial service for Marlene. This week we will be in countdown mode for that trip to Anchorage and we appreciate greatly the prayers of all as I go.  Today Margie has another doctor appointment in the afternoon. We will be doing a minimal amount of shopping also while we are in town. Thanks so much for your prayers,

TEACHING

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:8

For believers in Jesus the end of the story is always a delight,

We are saved by grace and secure in Him and all is bright.

If we die, we belong to Him, and will go to be with the Lord,

And this fact is so wonderful to hear, and it cannot be ignored.

So if we live or die it matters not, because we belong to Him,

And with a hope like this the light is bright and will not dim. (RP)

For many years I have enjoyed the preaching and teaching of the Bible. This morning I have another opportunity to teach our Sunday School class. I look forward to it.  Yesterday I spent more time getting ready for that. We also are in the countdown for my trip to Anchorage to help my brother Harold and the memorial service for his wife Marlene. I am trying to remember all the necessary things I need to do so that Margie will be okay while I am gone. Thankfully our son and his wife will be here for that. We are thankful. We trust you all have a great day. Thanks for praying.

SATURDAY

Being confident of this very thing,that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.Philippians 1:6

God is not finished with you dear Christian; there is much He wants to do,

Salvation is a great part of your life, but there is more He wants to do for you.

Every day we live, His Word teaches, guides and trains our seeking heart,

The more we do this the better it gets, and from this habit we will not depart.

The years come and go, and we grow in Him, and God's work never stops,

God promises that He'll keep working on us and we know His work is tops.(RP)

Today I plan on preparing some peppers for future meals by stuffing and baking them. I am trying to think of everything I need to do in preparation for the trip to Anchorage. My brother Harold sent the passage information to me last night and we talked on Skype concerning the particulars of it.  Margie had a good night, for which we are thankful. She will be making some phone calls which is part of her ministry on week ends. I teach a Sunday School class at our church tomorrow and am studying for it today also. Thanks for your prayers.

911

Psalm 30:4 

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

Christians may think there is nothing to do; but at least we all can sing,

How wonderful to praise Him with our song, and to Him our love bring. 

Practice your praises today,my friend, and let Him hear your voice,

You will learn after a concert or two, that you made the right choice.

Remembering His name is what He desires; why not start today,

You will be satisfied and joyful, I am sure, all along the way.

Sing praises to Him and give thanks, and you never will be the same,

Because you have humbled yourself before Him remembering His name.(RP)

We all remember that awful day - 9-11. Many remembrances are going out over our land today about that dreadful day. The radio and TV has plenty to say about it.  Yesterday we had prayer meeting at church and then we went to Lynden to put a couple of items in at the cleaners, in preparation for our trip to Anchorage next week.  We look forward this morning to the Bible class at the Ferndale Senior Activity Center. 29 were there last week and we expect more today. Thanks for your prayers.

COOKING

Mark 1:35 

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

Jesus set the example for us in prayer,

This life He displayed was without compare,

Early each morning in a solitary place He prayed,

In this quiet place a long time He probably stayed.

The custom of prayer is a great lesson for me, 

And to be a person of prayer I want to be.

I also should daily want to meet Him in prayer,

And each day be sure I really meet Him there.

Why not start right now and give Him part of your day, 

You can be sure He will help you each step of your way.(RP)

Yesterday Margie did some baking, preparing meals for us. The casseroles are delicious. Now I should take my turn and get some green peppers stuffed and ready for us.  I was in contact with my brother Harold relative to my trip to Anchorage to conduct his wife's memorial service. I haven't traveled for a long time by air so had some questions relative to luggage, etc. Thanks so much for your prayers. 

HEALING

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

God tells us many things in the Bible, His holy Book,

Many fail to see these things because they do not look.

He does have some secrets that are hidden from us,

Don't worry about this things or make a great big fuss.

The things God wants from us are written in these pages,

Some we do right now and others we practice in stages.

The things He has revealed are for us and our kids to obey,

So get with it dear reader and do what He commands today.(RP)

At the Wound Healing Clinic yesterday the doctor was pleased that Margie's pressure ulcer was diminishing. She will have to wear compression hose from now on to prevent this happening again. Our son called in the evening to go over some of the options for Margie's care while I am in Anchorage. We are grateful for our family's help.  Fortunately I will be able to have the Friday Bible class next week, and leave in the afternoon for Anchorage. Our thanks to all who are praying about these things. 

MORE PLANS

John 15:14 

You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

What a joy to be called a friend of Jesus; this is healthy desire,

And for all who read these humble lines, to this you should aspire.

To be Jesus' friend, you must personally receive Him into your life,

When you do there is freedom,and usually much less strife.

Belonging to Jesus means you follow His commands,

Doing from the heart what He earnestly of you demands.

So come aboard dear friend, and begin with Jesus today,

Ask Him into your life,read His word, and then its words obey.(RP)

Yesterday more plans were made concerning the memorial service for my brother's wife, Marlene. Our daughter-in-law and son thought I should perhaps go to Anchorage and help Harold. That was so gracious of them to pay the passage. Before the day was over Harold's boss insisted on providing the passage. But our family was responsible for putting this in motion and we are grateful to them. Lord willing I will fly out of Bellingham on the 18th and return the 21st. Harold's entire family's consensus was for me to come to do the service. I am humbled by this for sure. Margie wanted me to do it also but she will have to have help in my absence. I dare not leave her alone. Our family has thoughtfully volunteered to help while I am gone. For this we are very grateful. Thanks so much for praying. This morning we take Margie to the Wound Healing Clinic for another dressing of her wound.