LATE FOR FUNERAL

Proverbs 15:1

 A soft answer turns away wrath,

But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Harsh words abound in the language today, they cause anger, hard feelings, and strife.

The words cut so deeply and are hurtful to all and they inflict a deep cut like a knife.

They cause anger and problems too severe to control, and bad feelings are the result,

So no one should ever us words of this kind, no child, adolescent, young person, or adult.

Soft answers are pleasing to our Lord up above, he takes pleasure in those who thus speak,

So next time you are tempted to answer roughshod, breathe deeply,imitate Jesus, and be meek. (RP)

Embarrassed. That's all I can say about the funeral I conducted yesterday. We taught the morning Bible class, and came home to have a bit to eat before going to the funeral. I was at the computer, the phone rang, and it was the son of the lady for whom I was having the service. He said the service started at noon. It was 5 minutes after 12 when he called. I don't have a clue what happened. Apparently I thought it started at 1. When I arrived, I apologized and explained that was a first in my 65 years of funerals. Fortunately before I arrived (20 minutes lalter), the bagpiper played hymns. What an experience! Thanks for praying. 

FUNERAL

Fear not, for I am with you;Be not dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you,I will uphold you with My righteous right hand;Isaiah 41:10

God tells us not to fear because we fear, this timely word is for today,

He told us He'd be with us and that means He will be with us all the way.

Because He is our God we should never be dismayed; this is strength for us,

And to think He hold us with righteous hands; His help is more than a plus. (RP)

This morning we have the Bible class, then in the afternoon a funeral. I have been fighting a sore throat that left me yesterday with a husky voice. I had a pretty good night, and my throat seems better today. I have no idea how it will be when I actually have to project my voice for the class. We will see. It will be a victory when the activities of today are history. If my voice holds out for the Sunday School class, then I really will rejoice. Thanks so much for praying. 

EARLY MORNING MEETING

Luke 19:10  For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

We have a seeking Savior, who came to seek the lost,

And we read in the Holy Bible how much this process cost.

How wonderful to see Him in all his marvelous grace,

Reaching out to all the nations, every culture and every race.

We praise Him now and forever for His salvation great,

And with patience prayer and gladness for His second coming wait.(RP)

We did not attend the fellowship meeting last night at church. We were parked, ready to go in, and Margie felt ill. So we returned home. My throat was not in the best of shape either, so we just stayed home. We hated to miss it. This morning we have an 8 am meeting at the church, so are prepared for that, and will leave in about 45 minutes. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

REGULAR CHORES

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said,Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.Acts 13:2

God has a place for each to work in His harvest field so great,

He uses those who seek His face and upon Him patiently wait.

Barnabas and Saul in the verse above, ministered, fasted and prayed,

And the Holy Spirit was quick in reply and the answer was not delayed.(RP)

We are today doing what we do each Wednesday: change the bed sheets, take showers, wash clothes, etc.  That keeps us going for awhile. Yesterday I sat at the church during the morning. At night there was an elder meeting, and also a Skype interview with a pastor concerning our need for a lead pastor. It was good and informative. I will go to the audiologist today, because the volume control on one device stopped working. Thanks for praying. 

DENTAL DECISIONS

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

James 4:3

Some may ask why they don't receive answers to their prayers,

Could it be that they are concerned only with personal affairs?

James tells us we can ask amiss, which wrong motives prove to be,

And the results prove well that we prayed in vain, and that's not hard to see.(RP)

Our dental visit two weeks ago determined that we both need work done. Margie has an appointment tomorrow, and I next Tuesday. A crown is needed on mine, so they communicated with our dental group. Thankfully it will pay almost half of it. We are thankful. My throat condition continues, but today is a bit better. We are thankful. I am at the church office now. We have a full day ahead. Margie is busy at home doing some baking. Thanks for praying.

BLESSED WEEKEND

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

Even though we may not sing, our hearts sing praises to Him,

He is near us all the time and with Him hope never grows dim.

We pledge to speak to others of His wonderful grace to us,

And be ready always this very important issue to discuss.(RP)

We were blessed by the ministry of pastor Jim Godwin. We have known him for many years and it was a pleasure seeing them again. Jim and Carloyn Hively treated us all to lunch after church. We had a great time visiting and recounting past days in the ministry. Neither one of us did real well last night as far as rest is concerned. We hope tonight is better. I am awaiting word from the doctor concerning the lab work done on the specimen taken from my throat. Thanks for praying. 

WALK IN CLINIC

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  1 Cor 1:9

How can we deny God's faithfulness when we see all He's done for us,

We were called and have fellowship with Christ, which for us is such a plus.

Jesus our Lord and Savior is our personal friend and guide,

And all along life's pathway He is always on our side.(RP)

I have been having a sore throat that got worse yesterday afternoon, so I drove into Bellingham to a walk in clinic sponsored by the medical group to which we belong. The culture of my throat showed no strep infection, but they sent it to the lab. Monday I should hear from my family doctor the results of those tests. In the meanwhile, I have throat lozenges and take Tylenol. I hope to teach my Sunday School class this morning. After that I plan to attend the morning service, then go home and crash. Thanks for praying.