THE COUNTDOWN

 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.   2 Th 3:5

Two things we can certainly use, as we walk down here each day,

The love of God and His patience, are what we should display.

The Psalmist here prays for those things that we'll have His love from above,

And His patience comes naturally when we are controlled by His love.(RP)

It is tough watching your loved one slip away. Even though we know this is best, it still hurts. Friends have been so supportive. We appreciate it greatly. Yesterday they started giving Margie morphine, because it helps the breathing process. We did notice a difference. I called early this morning and she is still with us. I will be going shortly to spend the day there. Thankfully my son and his wife are here to help as today we make arrangements for her care after discharge from the hospital. Thank you so much for your prayers. My brother Ernie's funeral has started in Singapore. It will last for several days to accommodate the hundreds who will attend. Thanks for praying.  

ROUGH NIGHT

Heb 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our Savior did much for us when He died on the cross for our sins,

Whoever invites Him into their life, we know that person wins.

The Author and finisher of our faith, no other has ever done so much,

The world ties to make it to heaven, but without Him they cannot find such.

Jesus' died on the cross and rose from the tomb, now with the Father above, We give Him praise for all He's done for us, because of His great love.(RP)

Margie had a rough night. Rawlie and I were with her most of the day yesterday. I appreciate so much his company. Today he must go back home at 10. I am going to be with her now (at 6 am) and will only be gone long enough to teach my Sunday School class at church. I will return after that. They moved Margie to a lower floor during the night. She is now in room 253.  Yesterday it was so sad to experience her frustration in not being able to tell us what she wanted. We tried everything. She cried, slept, and sometimes was calm as we held her hand. Thank you all for your prayer support. It means everything to us. 

FRUSTRATION

Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Matthew 11:28

You may be very tired and loaded down with cares,

Jesus knows all about you, concerned with your affairs.

Accept Jesus' invitation, He wants you to come right now,

Enter His presence with thanksgiving and at His feet humble bow. (RP)

Dear Margie experienced much frustration and pain today. Her inability to speak is frustrating for us and her we are sure. We agonize with her in her discomforts. She is not able to form words sufficiently to explain what she wants or feels. Today she cried for two hours. It tears one up to witness this. We stand at  her bedside helpless.   Rawlie, Gina and I met with the hospice people today to go over options for Margie’s care. We need much wisdom to know what to do. These are emotional days for all of us. Adding to these human feelings, is the fact of my brother Ernie’s passing. It all seems like a dream.Thank you so much for praying. We need God’s direction in these tender moments. 

ERNIE POULSON WITH JESUS

Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.   James 4:14

Uncertainties abound in life and tomorrow is one of them

We have no idea in the world but we can trust it all to Him.

Life is fragile beyond degree and can disappear like steam,

So trust your soul to Christ alone because He only can redeem.(RP)

I try to spend 12 hours each day with Margie at the hospital. Yestrday it was a little short of that. When I arrived home to do some necessary preparation for the Bible study this morning, I noticed a call from Singapore that I had missed. When I called, Siang said Ernie died on the 12th at noon. Wow, what a notice this was!!!! 63 years of faithful service in Singapore alone. How we will miss him. Yesterday Margie was very restless. The stroke left her with hallucinations and agitation. It is so sad to see her suffering. I am going to be with her right now, then come back for the Bible class, then return. Rawlie will also be here this morning. We must discuss Margie's future care with the hospital staff. Thanks so much for praying. 

A MISSING DAY

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ'

Blessings galore come from our Father above in unceasing streams of grace,

Through Christ these come to us every day and each one we sweetly embrace.

Our Father withholds nothing good from us because of what Christ has done,

And these blessings flow daily in countless ways and for each one we thank the Son.(RP)

You who follow this blog noticed a blank yesterday. Tuesday is my day to sit at church as an elder, to help in anyway I can. Before leaving Margie started talking and I could not understand her. Things got more complicated. I was able to convince her to call 911 because she had a stroke. If she didn't get help, she would not improve. We called 911, they came and took her to the hospital. After emergency she was taken to Intensive Care where she is now. Our son and part of his family came. Margie could not tolerate the many persons in her room, so the nurse suggested she not have visits. I just called and she had a pretty good night, but at midnight was concerned because I was not there. I am going down there soon. Please pray if it is God's will, she may be able to speak clearly. I confess, I cannot understand her many times. This is frustrating for her I know, and it surely is for me. Thanks so much for praying.

EYE DOCTOR

Mark 11:25  "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

Forgiveness is a precious thing that we should never forget,

Some may need to use it, but there are others who just fret.

God links prayer to forgiveness, so we should do it too,

Failure to forgive breaks fellowship;he who suffers is you.(RP)

  

We had a good day at church yesterday, and a leisurely afternoon at home. We watched a favorite Christian program in the evening which is always a blessing. This morning we take Margie to her primary eye doctor for routine tests. I will take advantage of the trip to have my glasses adjusted. Then we have a few items to pick up at the store, then head for home again. We trust your day goes well and we thank you for your prayers.

THE LORD'S DAY

Matthew 6:33   But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

What a wonderful promise God gives us here,

It benefits us greatly if we will only just adhere.

Seek God first as you start each and every day,

Spend time in His Word and meditate and pray.

God will add so much to every part of your day,

So keep on doing what it says; greatly will He pay.

(RP)

Every day is the Lord's day for those who belong to Him. What a joy as we look forward to going to church this morning. I will be teaching Joshua chapter 7 & part of 8 today.  The search committee and elders will meet a few minutes after the service to discuss the latest information concerning a lead pastor for the church. We should have a leisurely day. We trust your day goes well also. Thanks so much for praying.