GENERATOR

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.

God's thoughts of us are warm today, as He thinks of you and me,

He thinks no evil, but only peace, as He gives this sweet decree.

He has a plan for each of us and will move us gently along,

And by His grace our hope is sure because to Him we belong.(RP)

Yesterday we visited our son and his family at their church then had lunch with them. After a nice visit, we left, because we knew the weather forecast about high winds. Sure enough, before we left they were already in Stanwood. On the way home only twice did the wind "move" us into the next lane. Then at home the garage door did not open because there was no power. Fortunately I had keys to the front door and then to the garage to disengage the power tram and manually lift the "monster" garage door. After that I got the generator going, and went to gas station for more fuel. By the time I got home the power was back on. That's amazing because some customers last week were in the black over 3 days. When things normalized at home, we had a good Skype visit with my brother Harold.  Thanks for praying. 

TRAVEL

O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who persecute me.Psalms 7:1

In days of turmoil and strife, it is comforting to know someone cares,

Someone who listens at all times to believers who make these prayers,

God is a refuge strong, for those who seek help in His mighty love,

Because they know He is with them, helping them from above. 

Christians have those who pursue them, trying to upset their day,

But God is their strong tower, giving relief as they walk in His way.(RP)

We plan on being with our family today and fellowship in their church. We are looking forward to this. High winds are predicted for later this afternoon so we hope to be home before they arrive. Margie prepared some goodies for our lunch together with the family. Thanks for praying.

MORE WIND

And let us not grow weary while doing good,for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9

We are prone at times to call it quits, and forget what we had planned,

But I am sure there's more to this, it seems we don't fully understand.

We get tired, but not OF the work; our bodies and minds feel the grind,

But thank God we all shall reap if we do not lose heart and get behind.

Don't lose heart, fellow Christian; stand tall in the battle we must fight,

And your faithfulness will certainly pay off, when we always do the right.(RP)

More wind is forecast for today and in fact it is already here. More is predicted for tomorrow. We are supposed to attend Rawlie and Gina's church service tomorrow. We pray the road conditions will allow that. It was nice getting back into our Friday Bible study yesterday. We had a pretty good attendance, but some are ill. We have a brunch to attend this morning, so will leave shortly for that. Trust you all have a good day. Thanks for praying. 

STORM

I am the Lord, who heals you. 

Exodus 15:26

Medicine, hospitals doctors and nurses, are here to help us all,

And thank God for them as they serve mankind, whether the great or small.

God tells us plainly in His Word about healing, and we should hear,

He's our Healer and we thank Him for this as He takes away our fear.(RP)

Starting Wednesday night, our county was hit with a terrific wind storm. On the mountain (Mt. Baker) winds were clocked at 108 mph.  Here gusts reached 67 regularly and another report gave 80 mph winds in the area. Thousands were out of power and still are. Our lights went out for 5 minutes only, last night while we were watching the debate. We had two appointments yesterday but the wind did not hinder going to them. But the grocery stores and drug stores were closed and many street lights off. It was really a good day to stay home. Just a word as I finish this blog today. Thanks Harold for the most encouraging correspondence. We deeply appreciate it. Thanks for praying.

BUDGET CUT

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

How true are the words of Solomon; he was the wisest of them all,

He knew how people thought and felt, no matter how great or small.

Soft answers turn away wrath; this is how we should always speak,

Remember also what Jesus said about when to turn the other cheek.

Those who speak harshly are warned: troublemakers they really are, 

And those who have spoken to others this way: they have gone too far.(RP)

For a long time I have not done the lawn mowing. Margie was fearful it would be too hard on me. Some of our regular support has terminated now, so we want to cut some corners. As former missionaries we expect this, because it happens all the time. So I sent the trimmer and Honda lawnmower to be serviced. In a couple of weeks I will start doing the lawn again. Our nice friend, Miguel, mowed yesterday and would not accept all the money I gave him. I can tell he really wants to continue. I told him if I have trouble, I will call him.  Thanks for praying. 

T T

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray. 

Matthew 19:13

Jesus loves children, of this there is do doubt,

He cares for them, because they are so devout.

In Bible times Jesus laid hands on them to pray,

And about their trust in Him had very much to say.

If our trust could be like a child, that is very good, And I pray it will be; it would not be misunderstood.(RP)

More Toe Trouble is the caption on today's blog. Margie's foot was treated Monday but it still gives her unrest. It looks as if the next visit in April, the doctor will remove her toenail.  What a mess.  I feel so sorry for her. She has had so many negative health issues, but still maintains a pretty good attitude.  Yesterday she did some cooking and produced two very delicious meat and tuna casserole dishes. We enjoyed the tuna last night.  Thanks for praying.(RP)

NO DULL MOMENTS

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.Revelation 21:8

It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out some things,

God says it plainly, and for some these words sorrow brings.

Those who practice the things in this verse are forever lost,

And if you ask me, I will tell you, that it surely is a high cost.

If you have not trusted Jesus, I beg you please do it right now,

And receive Him as your personal Savior, and at his feet bow.(RP)

We are amazed at how there are no dull moments. Margie's ingrown toenail bothered her "again". This is the 3rd or 4th time. I called and there was an opening at 1 pm. The doctor trimmed more of the toenail, and said next time she will probably have her nail removed which would result in two weeks of a very sore toe. We do not look forward to "that" but she does look forward to eventual relief of severe pain she has in that toe. Today we will try to get back into some sort of regular schedule. Thanks for praying.