April 16. Off to church about 9:15 this morning. Mrs. Surrett finished the lesson on “Be Still - Remember Your God Is Faithful.” Pastor Ogle preached on the three resurrections in the Gospel of John - Jairus’s daughter, the son of the widow of Nain, and Lazarus. The first deals with our sickness, the second with our sadness, and the third with our sin. Without the resurrection, we are hopeless. You must accept Jesus as your Resurrection and Life in order to be resurrected to everlasting life. As we were out at the car after church and getting ready to leave, Lazara invited us to her house for dinner. The Hispanic folks who just came here from Puerto Rico and came to Emmanuel this week and last had been invited too. They know English quite well, but Spanish better. Rudy’s parents came along as well. Rudy had cooked chicken, and Lazara prepared black beans and rice, fried plantains, onions and peppers, fresh fruit. There was also Mediterranean style potato chips (Cape Cod brand), and several desserts. We enjoyed the food and the time to get acquainted with new people. It was 3:30 before we got home and had a nap; and less than two hours later, we were on our way back to church. This evening, Pastor Ogle talked about technology from a Biblical perspective and how it can be used to honor God or to deny God. After the meeting, we went by way of Blacksburg to get gas. It was already quarter till 9:00 when we got home. I was very hungry and had a little supper, but did not feel up to doing dishes this evening. “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:26 This is my Saviour and high priest: holy (pure, hallowed, perfectly just and good); harmless (innocent, guiltless); undefiled (unsoiled, pure); separate from sinners (parted from, not connected with, not united with, having space between); made higher than the heavens (elevated above; exalted above; of supreme power, dominion, or excellence).
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April 14. Laundry day. The warmer mornings are such a blessing in that I can do the wash and hang it out much earlier now. It has been very warm today, and we have been running fans a good part of the day. After laundry, I did some straightening up in the kitchen as the plumber would be coming to install a new water heater. (We were getting dirty water through the old one.) Then I got busy cutting up veggies for a pot of soup -- taters, napa cabbage, celery, carrots, onion, zucchini, mushrooms, a few little pieces of organic beef jerkey that Connie couldn’t eat. Wanted to get that on cooking before the plumber got busy in the kitchen. About mid-morning, Christy and Connie went off to visit our former neighbor Ruth and also went to the bank and store. Christy had the day off work so it seemed like Saturday today. Tomorrow we’ll have another Saturday. She will also have Monday off work. I had just started the soup cooking when the plumber Jason arrived. His father was with him this time, and Jason didn’t seem nearly so stressed out. He was having quite a bit of back pain, however. We had to move the cupboard that was next to the water heater space, but that wasn’t too difficult. Then they borrowed a garden hose to drain out the old water heater. While that was draining, they went off to buy a new heater. It didn’t take them long to remove the old one and get the new one installed once they returned. Worked on Lait I Kamap while we were waiting for Jason and his dad to finish work in the kitchen. Gave them each an “Amazing Grace” tract when they were ready to leave. Then Daddy and I had our lunch. This afternoon, I finished the last few paragraphs of Lait I Kamap and then started looking for pictures to go with the story. Also folded the clothes we washed this morning and did more proofreading of the Sunday school lessons for Mike. Almost done now. “17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” Hebrews 6:18-20 There are two things that never change - God’s counsel (or His advice, purpose, will) and God’s oath (a fence, limit, or sacred restraint, which is the end of all strife - see verse 16). By these two things, it is impossible for God to lie. Praise God! And because it is impossible for Him to lie, I can have great comfort in the hope that is set before me. This hope is a sure and steadfast anchor for my soul. I can be absolutely sure that God will keep His promises. Amen! April 15. Christy and Connie went off to market this morning and bought a few items; but they said the vendors didn’t have much produce yet. Then they went to WalMart to get a fan for the living room. Daddy and I stayed here, and I put away some of my winter things and a few items to send to PNG. Later in the morning, Daddy and I went for a walk. Then I started looking for more pictures for the Lait I Kamap book. This afternoon, I spent more time looking for pictures and also swept our bedroom floor and the living room rug and floor. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25. Praise the Lord that we are saved to the uttermost! Our salvation is entire, complete. April 12. The warmer nights are so welcome as we are able to have the windows open for fresh air to come in. This morning, I looked for recipes for baked salmon, and then Daddy and I checked a good portion of Luke 23. It had been a few weeks since we’d had the chance to sit down and do some checking. Then we took a stretch and enjoyed a stroll around the block. After we came back, I got busy preparing baked salmon with veggies. Got that dish into the oven and then fried a hamburger for Daddy. This afternoon, we finished up the checking of Luke 23. Praise the Lord for His help with that! It was a blessing to pray with Sarah C this evening. Pastor Ogle finished teaching on Exodus 15, first covering the Sister’s Celebration and then bringing out how trials often follow a great victory. Just three days after Pharaoh and his army were overthrown in the Red Sea, the people found themselves in the wilderness where there was no water, except for bitter water, and they murmured against Moses. It was a tree that God gave to Moses to make the bitter sweet. We need to praise God when things are sweet, and also when things are bitter. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10 God remembers the work and labor of love of those who minister to the saints. It is a labor of love toward His name. April 13. An 80º day. The bees and wasps are out in full force, and some of them have invited themselves into our bedrooms as well. Today was shopping day so, as soon as I had finished breakfast and quiet time, we headed out for Aldi, WalMart, and, last of all, the discount grocery store on Lafayette. I was thankful that we got home in time enough to put all the groceries away and then make spaghetti for Daddy’s dinner. I had anticipated that there wouldn’t be time enough to make a pot of soup for my dinner so had bought a can of Great Value organic chicken and wild rice soup. It was no surprise that it tasted like canned soup, but I managed to get down a cupful. This afternoon, I worked for a while on The Isles are Singing after sending a couple chapters to Connie to post on our blog. Worked a little bit on Lait I Kamap too. Made a strawberry/banana/blueberry smoothie and a salmon loaf for my supper. “11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11,12 The Lord desires that every one of us diligently labor in love for Him, ministering one to another, not being slothful, following those who came before us and who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. April 10. Thank you, Lord, for a beautiful day. Connie had to go off to the courthouse this morning around 9:00 to see if she would be needed for jury duty. She sat all day waiting in a room with other possible jurors, but all the cases today "resolved themselves." One of the other women who was there brought Connie home around 3:30 this afternoon. She has to go back at 9:00 tomorrow, as they have to serve at least two days or for the duration of the case if they are chosen to sit as jurors. In the morning, I got last week’s journal notes into the weekly file and sent them off to Connie along with a few pictures. Got an anniversary card ready to be mailed and an order ready for greeting cards from Good Shepherd, but there are no stamps left so they didn’t get mailed today. Did all the e-mail acknowledgments of supporters. This afternoon, I sent a few more e-mails, organized a pile of boxes, put away some items that will be sent to PNG, proofread some of the Sunday school lessons. Daddy and Connie went over to talk to our neighbor "K". He said that "S" had to have C-section, and the baby is only five pounds, seven ounces. It was a month early. The baby is fine, but they want to keep him in the hospital a few extra days to make sure his lungs are functioning well. Praise the Lord that Daddy seemed a fair bit better today and didn’t need to sleep as much. Even I was really wiped out this morning for some reason and went back to bed around 9:00 for an hour nap. Even so, I had another hour nap this afternoon. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 Praise God, we have a place where we can find mercy and grace to help us in time of need! That place is the throne of grace, and we can come there boldly. April 11. This lovely spring day started with shower and washing hair. After breakfast and quiet time, there was laundry to do. While I was getting ready for our morning out, Daddy took Connie to the courthouse again and stopped at the post office to mail a couple letters and get stamps. Since we thought Crossroads Thrift Store didn’t open until 10:00, I did a little writing in Lait I Kamap (The Light (gospel) Comes to New Guinea) until about ten minutes before ten. Then we headed out for Crossroads. How pretty all the trees are now! It seems like they all burst out with leaves overnight, making the world so green and bright. At the Crossroads, I was thankful to find two jumpers (come to find out later that one had been Connie’s, given to her by a friend, so it was redeemed), two pair of shoes, five soft skeins of yarn, and some prettily decorated dress hangers. Daddy found a couple nice shirts. I also picked out four little items for "S"’s new baby. From there we went to Hospice Thrift Store. All their clothing is 50% off on Tuesdays, but I didn’t find anything there for me. The only thing we got there was four used dictionaries to take to some of the students in PNG. After shopping around there, my back and feet had had enough. We headed up to Verizon for Daddy to pay the phone bill, and then stopped at WalMart where Daddy went in to get water and bananas. I sat and waited in the car. We were just leaving the WalMart parking lot when the phone rang. Connie was done at the courthouse so that was perfect timing for us to swing by and pick her up on the way home. They had chosen enough jurors for the trial and Connie wasn’t among them. She was very thankful for that. After we got home, I fixed a hamburger for Daddy’s lunch and then whipped up soup for myself. Then it was nap time, following which we brought the clothes in off the line. What was left of the afternoon was spent working on Lait I Kamap. “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Hebrews 5:9 Although salvation is not by works, and salvation is by faith alone, James tells us that faith without works (or faith without obedience) is dead. True faith results in obedience. Thus Christ is the author of salvation unto all them that OBEY Him. Mom has finished writing chapters 6 and 7 of her book, The Isles Are Singing. Click on the file below to download. You can also find a file with chapters 1 through 7 just below Mom and Dad's profile information on the blog sidebar. Hope you enjoy! :-)
April 9. Daddy had a bad bout with vertigo last night and was still feeling quite weak this morning. So the girls and I went to church in Christy’s car. There were a few visitors in our ladies’ class today and also in the church meeting. Mrs. Surrett continued the lessons on “God Is Faithful.” Pastor Ogle’s message was on Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:13-20, and we partook of the Lord’s Supper at the close of the meeting, remembering His death and the shedding of His blood for the remission of our sins. Cleveland County policeman Captain Shores (from the Sheriff's department) spoke at church this evening, bringing to our attention what is happening in this country (and particularly in Cleveland County), especially among teens, and even younger, as they have access to internet and to apps such as Kik and Snap Chat on their phones, and how the rate of suicide is increasing as one of the results of misuse of social media. The degradation in this country is astounding, appalling, and heart-breaking (to put it mildly), and I felt like weeping as he talked about what is going on. I was glad to have a brief chat with Mr. C after this evening’s meeting and also with Mrs. Joyce Torberson, Naomi’s mother. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13 There is nothing nor no one that God does not see. All things are naked and opened unto His eyes. He sees all these horrible things that are going on in this country and around the world. Sadly, He will one day bring judgment, and all fornicators, among others, will have their part in the lake of fire. (See Revelation 21:8) April 7. The Lord gave us a lovely sunny morning today, a little on the chilly side with the north wind blowing, but pleasant nevertheless. The afternoon turned cloudy and much cooler with stronger winds, but the Lord sent along a flock of yellow beauties (goldfinches) to brighten the back yard. Then later in the afternoon, the sunshine scared the clouds away and made the skies bright once again.. Slept in until 6:30 this morning. After shower, quiet time, and breakfast, the work day began by finishing up the next set of Sunday school lessons I’d been working on. Verse file is ready to send to Connie for printing and cutting, and visuals are all planned for her to prepare. I also printed out copies of the lessons for proofreading. In between that job, the clothes were washed and hung out in the fresh air and sunshine, Tuesday’s laundry was folded and put away, the bed was made, the living room and kitchen were swept, and stew meat was put on to cook for dinner. Later I cooked some frozen corn and made a gravy for the stew meat for Daddy to enjoy with his mashed potatoes. This afternoon, I worked on the monthly update, and that is now ready for me to start acknowledging this past month’s support. Our landlord and wife also came this afternoon and put a storm/screen door on the kitchen. It will be a blessing to be able to have the sun’s light and warmth coming into the kitchen. They brought the baby with them this time. He is 4 months old now. So cute and growing plump and healthy. “2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” Hebrews 4:2,3 Again we see that even though people may hear the word of God preached, it will not help them if they do not accept it by faith. Only those who believe enter into that rest which Christ has prepared from the foundation of the world. April 8. A pleasant sunny day. This morning I printed out updates acknowledging supporters and keeping in touch with other regular prayer warriors. Also printed envelopes, wrote a personal note on the back of one letter, stamped and sealed them all, and put them out for the letter carrier to pick up. It was time to make soup again so decided on lentil/veggie soup. Christy and Connie went off a little before noon to pick up Kathy M and go to the annual ladies’ banquet at EBC. Naomi T’s mother was the speaker this year. This afternoon I wrote another chapter in The Isles are Singing, and started a file with thoughts for future Owena ministries - how to have a more fruitful ministry among the women, skeletal plans for the missionary training school and more. And this evening, I did some writing in Lait I Kamap, the history of Bible missions in PNG. “Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7 Today! With this verse, I am reminded of II Corinthians 6:2, ….behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. God has marked out, appointed, decreed, specified, determined a day in which men must be saved. It is today. It is now. April 5. The weather prediction for today was for 70º with rain starting in the afternoon. Well, the temperature didn’t get out of the 50’s, and the rain started in the morning. Today was the day to go get milk in Gaffney so we decided we would go early and get our regular shopping done at Aldi and WalMart in Gaffney so we could spend tomorrow’s shopping time at the thrift stores. We did fine at Aldi, but discovered that WalMart prices in Gaffney are higher than Shelby. So we didn’t buy at Gaffney WalMart. Had time to kill before getting the milk so went to the Goodwill store down the road from WalMart. All the clothes and shoes were 50% off today. A good deal if one can find what one is looking for. Daddy didn’t find anything, and I found a wind-breaker and another item. We were hoping that we would be home before the rain; but, since the rain came early, it was getting pretty wet out when we went to the thrift store. And Daddy got wet when he got out to get the milk even though he had an umbrella. It was after 1:00 when we got home and after 2:00 by the time we had put the food away, eaten lunch, and lain down for nap. After nap, I had a really bad headache. Tried to help Christy with her missions poster. Wasn’t sure if I would go to church or not because it was so wet out, and it’s easy for me to fall. But the rain stopped and a lot of the water soaked into the ground. So I hurried and had a bite to eat and did the dishes. By the time we got to church, I was hurting all over. From the weather? or what? This evening, Pastor Ogle preached on Exodus 15, the song of Moses, a great song and very uplifting. “We must praise the Lord for what He has done and not forget Him when times get rough.” “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 Was thinking of this verse earlier today as I was pondering the importance of believers exhorting one another and how I could be more of an encouragement and help to the Christian ladies in Owena. April 6. Praise the Lord for His protection in last night’s storm, and that the storm was not very severe. Up around 6:15 to take shower and wash hair. Had morning drinks and quiet time. Cooked some salmon to go with my breakfast. Ate breakfast and then got ready to go out for the morning. A little before 9:00, we headed to WalMart to finish the shopping we didn’t do yesterday. Thought we would do some thrift store shopping after that, but we spent a fair bit of time looking at shoes (didn’t buy any) and totes (bought one nice strong one that latches and has wheels). Want to try to start packing stuff away for PNG. By the time we checked out of WalMart, we didn’t really feel like going to the thrift stores. So we came home. After putting things away, I washed, peeled, and cut up potatoes to make mashed potatoes for Daddy’s lunch. He had some of the salmon I had cooked in the morning and also leftover broccoli along with the taters. I must have been pretty tired at nap time as I started dreaming almost as soon as my head hit the pillow. Most of my computer time today was spent working on Sunday school lessons for Owena. Reprinted lessons 52-60 again (third printing), printed out a few visuals, and sent Connie a list of visuals that she will make (for the third time) to go with them. Also sent her the memory verse pages to print and cut, and reorganized the memory verse files so I could tell more easily what verses have been taught and what ones they can memorize in the future. Finished writing lesson 80. Also measured and glued the song pages of the missions poster Christy started making. “18And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:18,19 The greatest sin is the sin of unbelief, for it is unbelief that will keep a person from entering into God’s rest. April 3. A very rainy day today, but no big storms as predicted. We are thankful for the rain to water the earth and freshen the air. Besides making a smoothie and cooking quinoa for my breakfast, morning activities included getting journal notes ready for Connie and sending them off with a few pictures, discussing some matters with Daddy, finding recipes for mushroom soup, making the soup, and cooking some broccoli to go with Daddy’s dinner. This afternoon, we finished checking Luke 22 which we thought we had finished before. Then I started resizing the Scriptures that are already in the print file. Otherwise there will be too many pages for the New Testament. After a stretch break, I wrote another Sunday school lesson. Have one more to write, and then we’ll try to get another packet ready to send out to PNG. Have one set to reprint and mail for the third time. Am not sure by what means we will send them as some means aren’t reliable, and others are too slow. There was quite a stack of dishes to wash this evening. Then I used the dish water to clean off the shelf next to the stove, wash the canisters that had been sitting empty for some time, and fill the canisters with bottles of vitamins that were sitting by the stove, making that little shelf area look a bit neater. “14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14,15 The devil had the power of death and destroyed many who died. Through Christ’s death, however, the one who had the power of death has been destroyed. And those who fear death have been delivered from its bondage. Thank you for the Lord Jesus who partook of flesh and blood and died so that his death could deliver me from death. April 4. What a lovely day the Lord gave us! Up to 77 or 78º. This morning I wrote a couple e-mails, wrote down prayer requests and deleted e-mails, washed and hung out clothes, enjoyed a chat with Beth on the phone, worked on a Sunday school lesson, and made some delicious sugar-free (almost) brownies. Boiled dates, baking soda and water together (the dates gave it sweetness), and then added a little butter, a little peanut butter, whole wheat flour, salt, cocoa, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips (that’s why they were only “almost” sugar-free). Baked, cooled, and tasted. Yum! This afternoon, Daddy and I went out to Peak Nursing home to visit James I and Ted M. It was hard to visit well with James since they had him sitting out in the center of the building right by the main desk, and there was no place for us to sit. Maybe another time, he’ll be in his room. We did enjoy a nice visit with Ted, and he was happy to see us. He will turn 72 on December 29. Also met his 90-year-old roommate Clyde. By the time we got home, it was supper time. After supper, I cut Daddy’s hair and then made a shopping list. Now it is time to do dishes. “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18 Praise the Lord that my Saviour understands my temptations and can help me in times of trial because He also suffered temptations. April 2. I woke up abruptly at 6:47 this morning. Daddy had just woken up as well. Oh, my! Hurry, hurry! Have shower, quiet time, breakfast. Get things ready for church. Off to church about 9:15. Mrs. Surrett was there today and taught more on faithfulness. “Be Still -- Remember Your God Is Faithful!” In the morning service, Pastor Ogle continued his series on “Peter: A Man Like Us” preaching from Matthew chapters 9 & 10, on Christ sending forth His disciples to preach to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and to heal the sick and to cast out devils. After nap this afternoon, I wrote another chapter in The Isles are Singing. Later I cooked up a big panful of zucchini so I could have some fresh veggies for supper. Headed for church around 5:20. Arrived early and enjoyed some time of fellowship before the meeting started. The Rudolphs were there, and Bro. Rudolph showed a presentation of their current ministry and preached a message from I Kings 19 on Elijah’s time of deep discouragement, relating it to the times of depression that each of us face in our service for the Lord. It was a very helpful and encouraging message. We were late getting home as Christy was changing the missions bulletin board. “11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” Hebrews 2:11,12 He that sanctifieth (Jesus Christ) and they who are sanctified (we believers) are all of one. And because of that He is not ashamed to call us brethren. How thankful I am that He is not ashamed of me! Oh, that I may never be ashamed of Him! And wouldn’t it be grand to hear Him sing praises unto His Father and to join Him in that praise choir? |
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