RELEASED

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

There is only one path of life; Jesus is His name,

Those who put their trust in Him never will be the same.

With Christ in your life there is boundless joy,

No earthly force can change this or ever destroy.

When Jesus takes us home, He is all that we need,

The pleasures He gives are limitless;this is guaranteed. (RP)

Late yesterday afternoon Margie received her release from the hospital. The doctor gave a detailed regime for her to follow to clear up her system. He said tests again showed some issues with the heart, but nothing apparently serious enough to require immediate attention. We were mighty glad to get home. I elevated the head of the bed and she gave it another try in her bed last night, instead of using the lift chair. She did fairly well, so we will try it again tonight. We are thankful for all who prayed in response to the prayer chain at our church and Laurel Hicks who posted the request on Facebook. Thanks for praying.

ANOTHER TRIP TO THE E.R.

John 8:12 

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.

Spiritual darkness is all around, leading souls to a Christ-less end,

If no one gives them the light of Jesus, they never will comprehend.

Jesus the light of the world is our path; in it no darkness is found,

In His presence is light and life, and all who follow Him abound.(RP)

Margie did not have a good Sunday night or Monday She increasingly had abdominal pains caused no doubt by the pain medication. By the time she got to the E.R. waiting room, she was sobbing convulsively with pain. It was pathetic. I urged the attendants to take her as soon as they were able, knowing they could show us no favor. The waiting room was packed with people. She got a place and they began working on her. By the time I left just before 10 PM, she was more relaxed and had had several tests, plenty of blood draws and even an ultra sound test. There was no impaction, thankfully but the intestines were filled.  That was their project last night and today to relieve this problem. No one could be more careful about this than she is. But it still happened.  I will go there mid-morning to be with her.  Thanks so much for praying.  (P.S. Margie just called and had a GOOD night. Things are getting back to normal)

PAIN

Revelation 2:3 

And you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.

To this church comes an encouragement from Jesus; He commended them for their ways,

Their persistence and patience was noteworthy, and for these things He gives them praise.

This church worked for its Master, and in the process never seemed to get tired,

They just kept serving and loving the Lord, and doing the things to which they aspired(RP)

Margie's night was painful. Toward morning she tried to lie on her side because the other position was just too uncomfortable. She finally took some pain medication. She has shunned this for quite some time, for fear of the consequences on her system. We hope and pray she will not have any more negatives because of it. Her pain level was such, we could not attend church yesterday. Our son was here and went home mid-morning. He was sick while here, so we hope he is better today. Thanks so much for praying. 

PLENTY OF PAIN

1 Corinthians 10:21 

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons.

Fence-walkers are not a part of God's plan; full dedication is His way,

Don't delve into the demon's cup, and then have communion today.

God delights in those who walk with Him, and stay close by His side.

As they fellowship with Him along the way, and have Him as their guide.(RP)

Margie's pain level is still high. She was told the healing process is long. Even though she had a pretty good night, she doesn't feel up to church today. We will watch and listen to programs here at home. Our son is with us but leaves this morning for his home. He has not been well either, and is taking over the counter medication to get back in shape again. The weatherman predicts snow for today but it probably will not happen. Margie has several doctor appointments this week so we pray she will be up to fulfilling them. Thanks for praying.

TIRED

Colossians 3:23 

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. 

We have read many times that things done for Christ, last,

Let us continue on for the Lord; for doing this is first class.

Every task that we endeavor should be done for the Lord,

We know that some day His well done will be our reward.(RP)

Margie was tired yesterday. The night before she got one of her best sleeps. Last night could have been better. She had trouble with her heart and breathing. She finally got to sleep the second time and awakened about eight this morning. Rawlie is here and she prepared lunch yesterday for him, but she got tired doing this, so today it will be pizza because it's easy. Rawlie is not feeling well so we don't know how he will awaken this morning. Margie is trying to get better so we can attend church services this week, but I am afraid with her present progress, that may not happen. Thanks so much for praying. 

ANSWERED PRAYER

Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.Luke 2:10

Christmas is for everyone, the Shepherds said that morn,

When the world was told that Jesus the Savior was born.

This message continues today by missionaries who tell, 

The grand story of redemption, saving mankind from hell.(RP)

Margie and I prayed much that she would be given strength to get through the Christmas brunch with our family. She planned ahead, paced herself and we are thankful it all worked out well. The family was pleased with the wonderful brunch prepared for them. Margie had a good sleep last night which is a blessing. We thank you all for being part of that with us as you prayed. 

INDESCRIBABLE GIFT

2Corinthians 9:15 

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

On Christmas day we thank our God for the great gift of His son,

Jesus came to do His father's will, and make sure it was fully done.

This gift on Christmas day is more than words can describe,

It offers salvation to people everywhere, every nation and tribe.

We pray you will receive this gift of life, and enjoy all that it brings,

Multitudes are saved by His grace, whether common folks or kings.(RP)

We are grateful for God's indescribable gift of Jesus to the world. Lord willing, today we will be joined by our family for brunch at our house. Margie has made ample preparation for it despite her back injury. She had a good sleep last night and she is working now in the kitchen preparing food for the occasion.  We have looked forward to this day a long time.  It is a yearly event for us. We were fearful Margie could not do it. Thankfully, at least to this point, she has done quite well. We pray the rest of the day goes well. Thanks so much for praying.  We appreciate it and trust each has a wonderful Christmas.