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 Hello! Just wanted to let you all know that the side bar on this blog has been updated with some pictures of some of the Christians in Owena and some prayer requests for these Christians. Thanks for praying! Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18
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 January 4. About 1/2 inch rain last night. Praise the Lord for a good little rain! Most of today was spent packing, answering the door, talking with people who came. Luke did come by this morning. Penina and Maura came back this morning to carry more water, but we had water in the drum from the rain. So we had them fill buckets and bring water in from the drum and put it in the bathtub. It was a light brownish color, probably from the leaves in the gutter, but there was no dirt in it. It is fine for flushing toilet and other household jobs. Bethany came and cleaned the pineapple garden. Nuanda came by and wanted to know about going out on the airplane with us if there is room. Daddy went to the radio mid-morning to let CRMF know that we will be out a day early. Silvia came around just after sunset to see if we could get in touch with Devit. He did not tell them where he had left the keys to their house sleep. Silvia and the kids are not well and were sleeping in the house cook in the day time. But they did not have any blankets there so needed to get into their house sleep (where the blankets were) for the night. So Daddy rang David’s number, but he apparently didn’t have his phone on. So I gave Silvia our old quilt to use for the night. “11I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. 12When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Proverbs 4:11-13 January 5. No measurable rain last night. And the Lord gave us a beautiful morning. We were up early to take care of last-minute packing and be ready for an early flight. We expected NTM to be in around 8:30. After we had breakfast and were all packed, Wan and kids came to carry some things, and Matyu’s kids came too, but there wasn’t much left for them to carry. Just a couple things. Several other small kids came with them, but there wasn’t anything left for small kids. But we had lots of very ripe leftover bananas, and the kids were excited to help themselves to those. Daddy tried to get reception in the house to call NTM and confirm the time of the flight, but couldn’t get anything. Couldn’t get anything anywhere outside either so ended up going to the radio and having MAF call NTM and have them come up on their sked for us. Found out that the other people had canceled their flight so our only alternative was a charter. NTM had tried to call us, but couldn't get any answer. (Probably because the mobiles weren’t working in Owena.) However, NTM said they could bring in a drum of diesel and a small LP for us. So we went ahead with the charter which was a special “other mission” charter so it turned out to be worthwhile. They said they had another flight to do and would be at Owena around 10:30. So we relaxed a bit. And I must have answered the door a half dozen times or more. Erovi came to ask us to get him a flashlight. Beni came to say that he has a bag of coffee to go out when we come in. Wrote a note to Apekio to let her know we would be going today. Last we saw her, we thought we would be going on Thursday. Then Erisapet came by to let us know that if NTM wouldn’t be coming, her kids would bring our stuff back down. After that, Matyu came too to remind us that he has a bag of coffee, and also to see if we can get some balloons for his little ones. When Erisapet and Matyu were on their way out, Apekio came around. She said she had seen Wan’s kids going by her house and asked them where they had been. When they said they had carried cargo for us, she came over to see if we were going today. Talked with her for a while. Janet’s little girl was with her and the other little girl who is staying with Janet. Don’t know who she belongs to, but she has been here for a while with Janet and Kelly. After everyone was gone, I played the keyboard for about a half hour before we started up to the airstrip. It was a beautiful day. Not too hot yet, and not too humid. There was a nice gentle breeze blowing while we were sitting at the airstrip. We sat in the shade though as it was hot in the sun Still I got somewhat sunburned. Ten-thirty came and went. So did 11:30. But no plane. Daddy tried several times to call, but kept getting an error message, or “no service” message. Apparently something was wrong at the Okapa tower because nobody else could get anything on their mobiles either. Finally Daddy went down to the radio again. Found out that there had been some delays, but said that the plane was loading up and would be there no later than 12:30. Just about 12:30, we heard the sound of the airplane. Praise the Lord! There were two pilots on the plane — Nate Schrag and a new pilot. The new pilot was doing the flying, and we wondered at first if he were going to make it to the top of the strip, but the plane finally made it. They unloaded the diesel and LP. Took care of the paper work. Loaded up our cargo. Also a bag of coffee belonging to Danny. And Nuanda came out with us too. He has been in a lot of pain from the boils he has had so wanted to come out and get some medical help. It was after 1:00 before we finally took off from Owena. There were lots of areas of rain along the way. We were thankful for a safe trip. After taking care of our bill, we saw that it was around 2:00. We figured we would get the truck, drop off our stuff at CRMF, and go get something to eat. We were pretty hungry, and I was tired too. One of the workers transported us to MAF to pick up the Hollands’ truck. Then Daddy realized that our little suitcase was not with us. He had taken it into the waiting room at the hangar to get out money to pay for the flight and had left it there. So after we got our other stuff loaded into the truck, we headed back over to the hangar to get the suitcase. Then to CRMF to unload. It was almost 3:00 by then. We were about ready to go back out to get something to eat when the rains started. The rain came down quite heavily so we waited for it to slow down. While we were waiting, we unpacked some things. Apparently our food box had been turned when they put it on the plane. (We forgot to pay attention to how it was put on.) And almost all the oil had spilled out of the bottle of tahini. There was a huge puddle of oil on the griddle and oil all over a few of the other things that were in the box. Also our clipboards were in that box, and there was oil on a lot of our papers. It was a job getting all the oil cleaned off of things. Off course we couldn’t get it off the papers. When we finally went out, we decided we may as well combine lunch and supper since it was already so late in the day. Thought we would try the Bird and see if they had the buffet ready that early in the day. Stopped at the post office first to see if there was any mail. A few letters but no packages. Hmmm, wonder where they can be going! When we got there, we found out that they no longer have a restaurant upstairs. It is all in the Lahani Room now. They did not have a buffet, and most of the other meals were way to expensive. The ones we could afford, they said they did not have available. We did not want to pay K46 for a meal that would hardly provide more than a K3 meat pie at SVS. So we left the Bird and headed to SVS. Thought we would get two meat pies each, but they didn’t have any meat pies left that time of day. It was now about 4:00. They did have some potato pies left, however, so we each tried one of those. They have the meat filling under a big mound of mashed potatoes, for only a few toea more than the plain meat pies. They were good too, and filling. Daddy got a Pepsi, and I got a cranberry juice to drink. We were thankful to finally have something to eat. It had been a long time since breakfast. After eating, we did a bit of shopping there at SVS. Got a kilo of topside mince. Also splurged and got a 2-liter container of ice cream. Then headed over to Bintangor to shop. They had All-Bran in the store this time. Hooray! They haven’t had All-Bran for a long time. They had Ricies too. Hadn’t had any Rices for some time also. It was after 5:00 when we left Bintangor. Our last stop was Papindo. And they had pumpkin seeds again. Hooray! I was very thankful to see the pumpkin seeds. By the time we were done there, my feet were hurting. But it was going on 6:00 and time to get back to the flat anyway. Didn’t feel like eating yet so just had a ginseng drink and a small dish of ice cream. Don’t think I’ll do much this evening, other than write an e-mail to Christy and Connie and then have a shower. “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.” Proverbs 5:21 And this brings us once again to the end of Mom's journal notes. Lord willing Dad and Mom will be going back out to town on March 3rd when Mom will be sending more written journal notes. Thank you for praying.  The afghan and matching hat Mom made for Serah's baby.  The wax made handles on Mom's candles when it melted  January 1, 2011. Today is 1/1/11. Wow! How quickly the years pass! December 31, yesterday, ended late in the evening so I did not get time to write in the journal. In the past week, there has only been about .4” rain all together. Our water supply is getting quite low. But the Lord knows the need, and we leave it in his hands. Yesterday morning, I had to prepare the weekend soup as all the leftovers were gone. After preparing all the vegetables and getting everything in the pot to be cooked, I worked more on organizing and boxing up school supplies, trying to get a lot of things cleaned out of Connie’s room too. Devit and Luke came for Bible school first. Then Max came afterward. After spending a couple hours cleaning, I started working on some Bible study in the computer. Then Erisa came to talk a while. She said she had been down weeding around her mother’s grave and thinking about her mother and talking to her, although she knew her mother couldn’t hear her. She wanted to know if there were some way she could put a marker on her mother’s grave so I gave her some suggestions. She asked about where the dead spirits are, if there is a special place for them. It was obvious that she is lacking some understanding about life after death. Then she wanted to know if she could join with those who want to stand strong for the Lord, even though things aren’t right with Anevina (her husband). I told her that Apekio comes even though Daniel isn’t living right. Reminded her that she is not accountable for Anevina’s sins, and that the Lord can certainly use her in some way. After that she said that Vanesi was asking about being baptized, but said she doesn’t understand about baptism. I told her to have Vanesi come and we could talk to her. While we were still talking, Paqo came with a pumpkin which we didn’t need. She didn’t want to take it home so she left it with us. Later we gave it to Jevin. Both Paqo and Erisa wanted to know if we have coffee plastic to buy. Told them we are considering getting a roll in town as others have asked too. They said there are lots of people wanting coffee plastic. Erisa was here quite a while so I was late getting the soup on to cook. It took a long time for it to start boiling because the pot was very full. So we didn’t have our dinner until 12:30. After nap and prayer time, I cut up the popo and had snack. Then worked on checking Luke 8 before getting supper. Devit’s mother came while I was getting supper and brought a HUGE bunch of greens which she said was from Pilip. We didn’t need them so after the meeting last night, we gave those away to Tomas and family. After supper and dishes, I played the keyboard a bit to relax before the meeting. Tomas was the only one here on time. Eventually they had all straggled in, except for Wan, who is still not feeling very strong. He came by earlier in the day to see Daddy. Said he has lost 12kg since being sick. The New Year noises had already started when folks left last night. It was going on midnight when we got to bed so we were still awake when the grand finale came. So didn’t get too many hours of sleep last night. As for ourselves, we stayed around the house all day, away from the goings on around the village. After breakfast and Bible reading, I went walking and praying. Then I worked for a couple hours on the office bookshelf and school stuff. Got the shelves all cleaned and reorganized. Praise the Lord for one "spring cleaning" job completed! Put away in a box all the extra school workbooks of various kinds. After a snack and short sit-down break, I started to work on the bathroom. Besides the routine cleaning, I got one of the shelves cleaned out under the sink. Put out a couple new candles to replace the ones that had burned down. Really wanted to wash the floor, but the water supply is short right now. Before my nap was over, I remembered that I hadn’t gotten bread mixed and ready to rise. So rose up from nap and went and got the bread dough made and in the pans. Then we had our prayer time, and then snack time. While the bread was baking, I started making my crackers. That’s when Apekio came. After crackers, I made granola. After Apekio left, I started getting things ready for supper. Just about had things ready when Luke came. It was after 6:00 when he left so we had a late supper. Then there were dishes to do, and kitchen cleanup. I was thankful there weren’t too many dishes. It was 7:30 before I had the kitchen all cleaned up and was ready to get out of the kitchen. Since, O sweet Lord Jesus, Thou art the present portion of Thy people, favour us this year with such a sense of Thy preciousness, that from its first to its last day we may be glad and rejoice in Thee. Let January open with joy in the Lord, and December close with gladness in Jesus.—Morning and Evening “28Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:28-33 January 2. The weather is very dry again. Our water is all but gone. Tania and Lilian said they would come this afternoon and carry water for us. This was a special morning because we got to talk to Christy and Connie. Daddy continued preaching in Romans this morning, the first three verses of chapter 5, but made a cross reference to Hebrews 10:26-31, knowing full well that many of the people deliberately chose to go out and sin yesterday. When the meeting started, there was only a small number there, mostly just those who are trying to stand strong. As time went by, more came, but many young people did not come. Before announcing the baptism, we needed to make sure that Maura had not gotten involved in the goings on. Praise the Lord, she had not. There were quite a few who came forward at the invitation. Daddy encouraged them to come only if they were truly repentant and intended to forsake their sin. After the invitation, he gave the announcements. Then asked if there were any other announcements. There was only one meeting this morning. Then the people had a short break before going down to the river for Maura’s baptism. We thank the Lord for this happy event among all the sad events of the weekend. Daddy and I were not able to go because of our age. (The hill down to the water where the baptism took place is very steep) Lilian, Tania, and Ailin (Poqo) came this afternoon and carried three buckets of water each. We were down to the bottom of the barrel. We had them fill the washing machine, then dump the rest in the drum. In the evening, we listened to a message by Nathan Deatrick called “Stay on the Field.” It didn’t have anything to do with staying on the mission field, but it was a good message. I couldn’t concentrate on doing something in the computer after that so just worked on crocheting. Started on a little hat to go with the afghan I finished in the morning. I guess this one will be called “Soft Violet.” This afghan will be for Serah’s baby whenever it is born. “1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints." Proverbs 2:1-8 January 3. Was awake from about 3:00 this morning. So many things going on in my mind. Was glad to get up, although I had a hard time concentrating on things most of the morning. The three girls came again and carried a couple more buckets of water each. Daddy paid them, and they bought yarn with their pay. Daddy went to the radio to see about our flight on Thursday. MAF is not going to be able to do a flight as there is no 206, and no loading coming this way on the twin otter. So when Daddy got back, he called NTM on the phone. They believe there will be a flight in this area on Wednesday so we can go out on the back flight. Daddy went to the radio again to call CRMF and let them know we will probably be out a day early, but no one was in the office today. Have to call back tomorrow. Carol Holland told Daddy that Chris has gone to Australia as her mother passed away. When we got to town today (Wednesday), Shannon said that Chris got to Australia before her mother died. Her mother died on Tuesday. But then her father died on Saturday. So they had two funerals back to back. Chris’s father has been sick and in a nursing home for a long time. Maybe he was just hanging on for the sake of his wife. When Daddy came back, he got the fuel tank taken off the generator and cleaned it up and put it out in the sun to dry. I did a little bit of work organizing Sunday school materials. Maura and Penina came and wanted to carry water. They each carried two buckets and said they would carry again this afternoon or tomorrow morning. However, the Lord sent us a nice rain this afternoon so they did not need to come and probably won’t need to carry tomorrow. Traiposa was here with Matyu and Erisapet. They had left him outside on the ground to sleep, but when the rain started, Erisapet went out and brought him in. After he woke up, he was a bit fussy, until he got to play with some of the toys I had put out. Then he was happy. They were here until after 5:00. Then Daddy cleaned out the bathtub while I fixed supper. After supper, he brought some rain water in, and I did dishes. “21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. 25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” Proverbs 3:21-26    December 28. Praise the Lord for the midnight rat! We were thankful that another rat got caught, but we were also thankful to have been awakened and discovered that there was water coming through the pipes. I rinsed out the tub and put in the plug and turned on the water. About 6:00 this morning, the tub was full. Thank you, Lord, for sending us water when we need it. I had kitchen cleaning on schedule for this morning, but since Tuesday is Bible school morning, I switched and worked again in the schoolroom. Got all the lap desks cleaned up and packed in a box. Also packed the pencil cases and unfinished workbooks of the former students. Maybe they will want to come some time and finish their workbooks. Max never did show up for Bible school, that is, not until after Luke and Devit had started their class. He got mixed up and thought he was supposed to come second. But he is supposed to be first on Tuesday and second on Friday. I figured he probably got mixed up. After I finished cleaning up the school stuff, I checked over Luke chapter 6. This afternoon, I worked on organizing Daddy’s Bible study notes on the family for use in Bible school. Then worked on the visuals until supper time. Played the keyboard a few minutes this evening after doing dishes. Haven’t had much chance to play recently. Or else I’ve been too tired. “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34 “The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” Psalm 147:11 December 29. It has been a quiet day pretty much. Almost everybody has been over at Ahninyauntapeq for the holiday games. Did laundry this morning. There were lots of little things, and it took quite a while to hang them all out. Filled up all the spaces and used almost all the clothespins. Then rain threatened before noon. A few things were dry so we got those in first. Then we took everything else down and hung it in the schoolroom. The rain never did amount to much however. Somebody brought us another BIG watermelon today. This one was just ripe and tasted nice and sweet. We ate about half the watermelon just today. There must have been a thousand seeds in just half the watermelon. Thank you, Lord, for this nice refreshing melon. Gibson came and finished cutting the grass today, and Angela finished raking. I spent a little time packing up all the first grade teacher’s books this morning. Also translated the verses in 1 Samyuel 2 that I read in my quiet time this morning. We thought they were very applicable to the church situation here, and Daddy may want to read them Friday evening. After nap this afternoon, I worked on the Bible study on the Christian family. Then Devit’s mother came by to say hello before going back home. She said she has been sick the past week with malaria, but wanted to get out today so came up to visit with Nuanda’s mother. Stopped by here on her way home. After she left, I played the keyboard a few minutes before getting supper. The people wanted to change Wednesday lotu time to evening so Daddy has gone off to lotu. "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." 1Samuel 7:12 The word "hitherto" seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet, "hitherto the Lord hath helped!" Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea, in honour, in dishonour, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation, "hitherto hath the Lord helped us!" We delight to look down a long avenue of trees. It is delightful to gaze from end to end of the long vista, a sort of verdant temple, with its branching pillars and its arches of leaves; even so look down the long aisles of your years, at the green boughs of mercy overhead, and the strong pillars of lovingkindness and faithfulness which bear up your joys. Are there no birds in yonder branches singing? Surely there must be many, and they all sing of mercy received "hitherto." But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes "hitherto," he is not yet at the end, there is still a distance to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet-awakening in Jesus' likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fulness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. O be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy "Ebenezer," for-- He who hath helped thee hitherto Will help thee all thy journey through. When read in heaven's light how glorious and marvellous a prospect will thy "hitherto" unfold to thy grateful eye! —Morning and Evening ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.” Psalm 148:13 December 30. .1” rain last night. Worked more this morning on organizing school materials. Devit came and worked on getting some translated material into the computer files. It had been quite a while since he had done any work on the computer, so he had forgotten a few things. After he left, I proofread another chapter of Luke. The plane came today and took Midyu out to the hospital. He will probably have to have his toe amputated. He is the third person now with a body member being eaten away. This afternoon, I cleaned out the e-mail inbox. Then went outside a while and walked around. Got some stakes and ties and tied up the roses so they won’t be lyng on the ground. This evening, I worked more on Daddy’s Bible study notes on the family for him to use in Bible school. While I was getting supper, I discovered a beautiful rainbow so went out and took a few pictures. Thank you, Lord, for another reminder of your promises. Had a little bit of rain this afternoon and early evening. “1And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. 4And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” Revelation 9:1-13  December 25. No measurable rain last night, but rained lightly most of the afternoon today. A rat finally did get into the glue trap last night, however — about 2:00 in the morning. We have been trying to catch him for at least a month. The rats are so destructive and dirty. We are very thankful to have him gone. Daddy went to lotu around 6:45 this morning and did not get back until after 8:00. While he was gone, I had my quiet time and then got busy peeling potatoes for dinner. Decided to make mashed potatoes this weekend instead of soup — something different. When Daddy got back, he cut up the pumpkin for me. Then I got that prepared for cooking as well. We still had leftover greens and uxai to go along with those two things. After I sat and relaxed a whle, Daddy and I started scrubbing the living room floor. The bamboo floor had never been scrubbed before we laid the linoleum on it. So it needed a good cleaning on hands and knees. Mak and family came with a BIG watermelon. It was more than enough for the two of us so we cut it in half and just bought half of it. That was a refreshing snack for today. Finished checking chapter five of Luke while dinner was cooking. When we got up from nap, the weather had turned chilly and damp. We thought how nice it would be to get the wood stove going, but we were low on firewood. Daddy decided that he could go out and cut some big pieces of firewood. Then George came along and spent the rest of the afternoon cutting firewood for us. And also when we got up from nap, I remembered that I was supposed to make bread today. So got down to business with that. Sat down to work on visuals a few minutes and then planned to clean the bathroom. However, Apekio came by while Daddy was shaving and washing, and she stayed until after 5:00. After we talked a while, she carried several buckets of water in from the rain barrel outside. Then we read some Scripture and prayed together before she left. Since I was late getting the bread made, it was after 5:30 before we sat down for supper. Worked on newsletters a while this evening after doing dishes. “9I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. 10It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. 11Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: 13That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. 15Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” Psalm 144:9-15 December 27. Had just gotten started in some Bible study yesterday evening when Matyu came. Never did get back to the computer. It was 10:00 before he left. Well, let’s see, as far as yesterday’s events, the long rainy afternoon and evening on Saturday only delivered .2” rain. We did get a good fill-up in the outside drum, however, and are thankful to the Lord for more water. Yesterday and today have been very dry, and the water is going quickly. We continue to pray. God’s keeps us dependent on Him. We are grateful for His faithfulness. Close to church time yesterday, I started getting bad stomach cramps, like I had had on Saturday morning. I ended up staying home the first meeting and lying down with the hot water bottle on my abdomen. Daddy went on up to lotu. He said only children and Luke and Devit and Silvia were there before 10:30. They went ahead and started anyway. After announcements, Daddy preached Romans 4:9—17. There were thirteen people who came at the invitation. I was feeling well enough to go up for the second meeting. He finished chapter 4 in that meeting. After nap, I washed my hair. Then we had prayer time. And then I cut Daddy’s hair. This morning (Monday), we slept in a little later since we had been up late last night. When we got up, Kuemuru was already working, cleaning the flower garden. Gibson came after a while and started cutting the grass. Angela came later and wanted to rake. After breakfast and quiet time, I did a little bit of work in the bathroom, since I didn’t get to clean it on Saturday. Then I got one of the shelves in our bedroom cleaned off and the craft stuff that was on it reorganized. That took quite a while, but I was glad to get that done. Daddy went for a walk up to the airstrip. It was too hot by that time of morning for me to go walking. There were people still here working outside anyway. After I finished cleaning that shelf, I worked on organizing the notes we had discussed last night. Then I fixed dinner and worked on visuals while dinner was cooking. This afternoon, I worked on the quarterly newsletters. Then I made sugar cookies for Daddy. Maura came around supper time, and we talked with her about the baptism coming up on Sunday. She said she checked her medical record, and she is 16, not 18 as she thought. She said she has her father’s approval for baptism. There were LOTS of dishes tonight so I was in the kitchen a long time after Maura left. Was tired by the time I was done doing dishes. “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:11 “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.” Psalm 116:5  These people brought Mom and Dad a mushroom  Close-up of the mushroom. Sorry for the blur. December 22. No measurable rain last night. Went to bed a little bit early, but not as early as the night before. It tried to rain a bit late this afternoon, but most of the rain stayed in the north. The air has really turned chilly though. Feels like it’s going to snow. ( :-) It does not get cold enough to snow where Dad and Mom are.) Aritsedo came about 6:30 this morning and started planting a fence of little bushes and tangets around the pineapple garden. She got the top side done and west side nearly done before lotu. Finished the west side afterward. Will come back tomorrow and work on the east side. Before lotu this morning, I worked on rechecking Pidgin Psalm 103 for Daddy to use in the next church member meeting. Printed out a copy tonight for him to proofread and make any additional changes. Daddy continued teaching on the family this morning, continuing with the role of the husband, from Ephesians chapter 5. Started out with only a couple men there, but ended up with a pretty good group. After lotu and snack, I did some cleaning in the office. Got some of the school things set aside in Connie’s room for now until I can get them organized into boxes. Got two and a half shelves of the bookshelf cleaned off and one shelf reorganized. What a mess the rats had made behind the books! It was really yukky! This time I am pushing all the books all the way to the back of the shelf so the rats can’t go behind them. This afternoon, I started drawing pictures for the little parable I wrote. Got some pictures from the camera put into the computer. Started working on kidznewzletter for this coming quarterly letter. When I went to fix supper, we saw that the bread had grown a lot of mold since yesterday so whipped up a small batch of biscuits. There were quite a few dishes tonight for some reason so I was in the kitchen a bit longer than usual. Enjoyed listening to Job on the CD while I was working. This evening, the generator is on so have been printing out a few things, including several copies of Owena Romans for us to work on with some of the men. “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28:28 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10 December 23. No rain last night. Daddy got the outside drum emptied and cleaned out today. A lot of debris from the trees had fallen into it, and ashes from the roof had been washed into it as well. Today was quite a busy day, and a special day too. It was our 41st anniversary. Up before 6:00 this morning. Made hot rice cereal for breakfast. Started laundry at 6:30 — three loads today. Ate breakfast and had quiet time in between loads. Aritsedo came around 6:45. She finished the flower fence around the garden this morning. After hanging out clothes, I relaxed a while and worked on another visual for the parable. I had scheduled cleaning of Connie’s room for today, but needed to get school books out of there before I could do much of any cleaning. So decided it would be a good time to start organizing all the school books. Hollands said the school in Karimui would probably buy some of them so we need to give them a list of what is available. I worked on that for a while this morning before preparing dinner. Laid all the books out by subject on the table and cupboard in the schoolroom. Worked a few minutes on translation of Numbers before I started the dinner cooking. While I was working on the school books, Daddy went for a walk up to the airstrip. He was gone a long time — bumped into quite a few people along the way: Opo; Nuanda, whose hand is very swollen from, he said, carrying a very heavy door down from the airstrip; Mata, who has a bad boil on her foot; and Neomi, whose little toe is eating away, and the bone is protruding — they told her she would probably have to have the toe amputated. Wonder what this new disease is that is eating people’s flesh. This is the second person now. The first was a man from Marivo whose finger started getting eaten away. He had to have it amputated. We had pumpkin (leftover from yesterday), greens-uxai-onions, and tuna cake for dinner. We haven’t been able to get any mustard in town lately, and I have run out of what we had. But I did find mustard powder last time and decided to try to make mustard. The package said “mustard powder” anyway, but my was the mixture ever bitter. I added salt and sugar and lemon juice and some other spices to try to tone it down. But it was still quite bitter, and very zingy too. What could I do with it? I hated to waste it. Well, I decided to try just a tiny dab of it mixed with mayonnaise on my fish cake. It wasn’t too bad, but it didn’t taste anything like mustard. As a matter of fact, it tasted very much like horseradish — not one of my favorite condiments. Daddy went out and brought in the clothes while dinner was cooking. It was about1:30 when we got to nap today. After nap and prayer time, I cut up the last two popo and got them ready for making popo crisp later. Then I got back to work on the school books. Worked on that until supper time. Finished sorting, and got about five boxes packed before supper. Cooked the popo crisp, and had that for supper along with leftover biscuits from last night, and egg salad on the biscuits. After supper, it was still light enough to see in the schoolroom so packed three more boxes of books before doing dishes. After dishes, I worked a while on kidznewzletter. “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” Psalm 112:1 December 24. Less than .1” rain last night. Another busy day today. After breakfast, quiet time, prayer and walking time, I worked a little bit on the visuals for the parable. Then went back to work in the schoolroom. It took 2 1/2 hours to finish getting the rest of the books packed into boxes. After that, I worked on checking Pidgin Luke until time to warm up dinner. Dinner was leftovers from yesterday. Had a longer nap today, but had not slept good last night. After nap and our prayer time, I cleaned up one corner of the schoolroom, and Daddy stacked all the boxes of books in that corner. I made a list of all the books that we have there, and then organized the list in a computer file, along with the catalog prices of each item so that we can give the list to Hollands later. After supper, I worked for a few minutes again on the visuals. Then did dishes. Opo and Ruth came while I was doing dishes. Opo said also that Yonupero is in favor of our building our house above the airstrip. There are still others that he needs to talk to. After they left, I started work on the next quarterly newsletter. “1Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. 2Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. 3From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. 4The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. 5Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, 6Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! 7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; 8That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. 9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 113  Erovi is the man in the center with the white beard. December 19. Only .2” rain last night. I was very thankful for a bath last night. And for a nice chat with our daughters this morning. Time just goes too fast. We had to go outside today because we couldn’t get reception inside. We were thankful for a nice sunny morning. Daddy started preaching again from Romans today. Briefly reviewed chapters 1-3 and then started chapter 4. There were a lot of young boys there today, and Daddy had to have one of the men sit with them and make them behave. Matyu did that. Josua took care of the door today. After the second meeting, Matyu and Erisapet and family came to talk. I started working on a picture story for the church group meetings. “1A Song or Psalm of David. O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. 2Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 3I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. 4For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. 5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth…. 12Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. 13Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.” Psalm 108:1-5,12,13 December 20. Just a hair under an inch of rain last night. Has been cloudy most of the day today, but seems to have cleared off this evening. We are thankful for the Lord’s sending water through the pipes again today and filling the bathtub. It seemed a bit odd not hearing the bell ring and not going to school this morning. After breakfast and quiet time, I spent about an hour working in the bedroom, starting to get things cleaned, sorted, and organized in there. Then Daddy and I went up to the radio, and I talked to Carol a while. When we came back, I started on preparations for dinner. Didn’t realize it was going to take so long, but I was in the kitchen all the way up until dinner time. It takes a long time to pick apart all the greens and wash them. Then I had the onions to trim up — a lot of them had turned brown — and wash. Then I husked and cut up the uxai. Got those three things all cut up and put into the pressure cooker. Stopped in the middle of that work and started the rice and lentils cooking. Amanda came by with a pumpkin, but we have plenty. But I gave her a Maggi anyway. It had been a looooooong time since we had seen her. December 21. Just over .1” rain last night. Went to bed about 9:00 last night. I was very tired. For several days, I have had a bad headache and felt a bit sick on the stomach. Started on parasite treatment Saturday evening. After breakfast, quiet time, and walking/prayer time, I spent part of the morning cleaning in the kitchen today. Got all the corn husked first and ready to go out in the sun. Then I got two sections of the cupboards cleaned and reorganized. After that, I was ready to sit down. Translated chapter 19 of Numbers. Then took a short nap before getting dinner. Max came and had his test in Bible school. Luke came a little later, but Devit has not come back yet from Gimi. So Luke went off to work in his coffee garden. There is lots of ripe coffee again, and lots of people are picking. They are having to watch their coffee too, as somebody has been stealing. This afternoon, after nap and our prayer time together, I cut up the other half of the popo from yesterday. Had snack. Went outside and walked around the yard and garden a bit. Then came in and worked on checking Pidgin translation of Luke. Played the keyboard a few minutes before getting supper. After supper and dishes, I made granola. Then got the November progress report finished and December progress report up to date.  Manila making his gift for his dad. December 16. .2” rain last night. Rained quite heavily this evening, and still raining now. Today was the last day of classes for OCS. Manila finished most of his classes yesterday. Today we just practiced for tomorrow, finished up the English lesson, and Manila finished the gift for his dad. We finished school around 10:30. After Manila left, I did some cleaning up in the schoolroom and started getting things ready for tomorrow. Then I got the cake made and heated up dinner. Took a long nap today. Guess I was pretty tired. After nap and our prayer time, I finished getting things ready for tomorrow, except for a couple last minute things which I will have to do tomorrow morning. Then I worked a bit at the computer, played the keyboard a few minutes, then got supper. Daddy went today and made a booking for our next trip to town. He found out that someone had broken into the hangar and smashed all the windows in the 206. Also that Richard Abel has a broken rib so MAF is short on pilots right now. After he came back from the radio, he called the New Tribes Clinic. He had a message about a voice message on the phone yesterday, but it doesn’t record. But NTM was the ones who had put a voice message message on before, so he figured it must be from them. He had tried to call them yesterday, but no one was in the office in the morning. Dr. Morton had tried to call him. The results of the biopsy had already come back from Australia. The good news is that there is no t-cell lymphoma, but he does have a very bad case of a rare type of psoriasis. Prasie the Lord for this answer to prayer! It is good to know what we are treating too. Devit and Luke were here for Bible school. Max is studying for a test. Luke made an interesting observation from his homework on lesson 9 of the Firm Foundations notebook. He noted that God gave Eve to Adam as a gift, that Adam did not have to pay for her. George cut firewood today. "Come unto me." Matthew 11:28 The cry of the Christian religion is the gentle word, "Come." The Jewish law harshly said, "Go, take heed unto thy steps as to the path in which thou shalt walk. Break the commandments, and thou shalt perish; keep them, and thou shalt live." The law was a dispensation of terror, which drove men before it as with a scourge; the gospel draws with bands of love. Jesus is the good Shepherd going before His sheep, bidding them follow Him, and ever leading them onwards with the sweet word, "Come." The law repels, the gospel attracts. The law shows the distance which there is between God and man; the gospel bridges that awful chasm, and brings the sinner across it. From the first moment of your spiritual life until you are ushered into glory, the language of Christ to you will be, "Come, come unto me." As a mother puts out her finger to her little child and woos it to walk by saying, "Come," even so does Jesus. He will always be ahead of you, bidding you follow Him as the soldier follows his captain. He will always go before you to pave your way, and clear your path, and you shall hear His animating voice calling you after Him all through life; while in the solemn hour of death, His sweet words with which He shall usher you into the heavenly world shall be—"Come, ye blessed of my Father." Nay, further, this is not only Christ's cry to you, but, if you be a believer, this is your cry to Christ—"Come! come!" You will be longing for His second advent; you will be saying, "Come quickly, even so come Lord Jesus." You will be panting for nearer and closer communion with Him. As His voice to you is "Come," your response to Him will be, "Come, Lord, and abide with me. Come, and occupy alone the throne of my heart; reign there without a rival, and consecrate me entirely to Thy service." —Morning and Evening “1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.” Isaiah 43:1–4 December 17. 1.7 inches rain all together last night. It was quite a drencher. Praise the Lord for keeping us supplied with water! At 6:30 this morning, I started laundry, and finished hanging clothes out around 8:00. Got things ready for the school closing program and ate breakfast while clothes were washing. After hanging things out, I walked and prayed. Manila and family arrived about 10 minutes past 9:00. The whole family was here this time, including Christy. Our program was not very long — Manila recited the three verses he had learned this little term, and we sang them. Then he recited Genesis 15:6 which he had learned a while back in Owena, but learned this term in English. And last of all, he read John 6:57-69 in Owena. Then I had him give his progress report card to his dad and also the gift he had made for him. After that, I gave Manila his gift. Then we had refreshments and talked. After snack, I cleaned up a little more in the schoolroom to get it ready for this evening. Started working on some thoughts for a schedule for the coming weeks. Fixed a rice casserole for dinner and put it in the oven. Organized all the blacklines papers from school and got those notebooks ready to put away. We may often forget to meditate upon the perfections of our Lord, but He never ceases to remember us. Let us chide ourselves for past forgetfulness, and pray for grace ever to bear Him in fondest remembrance. Lord, paint upon the eyeballs of my soul the image of Thy Son.—Morning and Evening ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:9 Jesus, the great I AM, is the entrance into the true church, and the way of access to God Himself. He gives to the man who comes to God by Him four choice privileges. 1. He shall be saved. The fugitive manslayer passed the gate of the city of refuge, and was safe. Noah entered the door of the ark, and was secure. None can be lost who take Jesus as the door of faith to their souls. Entrance through Jesus into peace is the guarantee of entrance by the same door into heaven. Jesus is the only door, an open door, a wide door, a safe door; and blessed is he who rests all his hope of admission to glory upon the crucified Redeemer. 2. He shall go in. He shall be privileged to go in among the divine family, sharing the children's bread, and participating in all their honours and enjoyments. He shall go in to the chambers of communion, to the banquets of love, to the treasures of the covenant, to the storehouses of the promises. He shall go in unto the King of kings in the power of the Holy Spirit, and the secret of the Lord shall be with him. 3. He shall go out. This blessing is much forgotten. We go out into the world to labour and suffer, but what a mercy to go in the name and power of Jesus! We are called to bear witness to the truth, to cheer the disconsolate, to warn the careless, to win souls, and to glorify God; and as the angel said to Gideon, "Go in this thy might," even thus the Lord would have us proceed as His messengers in His name and strength. 4. He shall find pasture. He who knows Jesus shall never want. Going in and out shall be alike helpful to him: in fellowship with God he shall grow, and in watering others he shall be watered. Having made Jesus his all, he shall find all in Jesus. His soul shall be as a watered garden, and as a well of water whose waters fail not. —Morning and Evening December 18. No rain last night. But it was cloudy all day, and we had a little rain this morning and a good rain this afternoon. It was going on 10:00 when we finished the meeting last night. All the men and their wives were there, except for Wan and Janet. Wan is still very sick. And Devit wasn’t there — he hasn’t gotten back from Gimi yet — but Silvia came. Apekio came also. And Josua came — we weren’t sure if he came in Erovi’s place or what. Quite a few of the young people from these families were there as well. We were thankful for the good response to the things that were brought out. Daddy didn’t exactly teach, but asked a lot of questions and read a lot of verses, many from the Old Testament, to provoke their thinking. Then he opened up for questions. At first there weren’t any, and he was getting ready to close the meeting, but then Silvia asked the first question and it went from there. Even though we got to bed late, I was awake by 5:00 this morning. And my body was ready to get out of bed. Daddy said he was awake at 4:30. We got up around 5:45. Daddy went to prayer lotu around 7:00, but not too many got there on time. He said Luke preached on something from one of their homework assignments — John 5 about Jesus’ healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda. Said he did a pretty good job. While Daddy was at lotu, I worked on peeling taters, peeling and cutting up pumpkin, cutting up onions, and getting all the other ingredients ready for our weekend soup. Finished that and got it on to cook, just when Daddy came back. After Nuanda left, we went to sent Daniel. Apekio was here last night and said that Daniel was sick. So we figured he would be home this morning. We were thankful for an overcast morning for the walk over there. It was still quite warm though due to the humidity. When we got there, all the kids were there, but not Daniel or Apekio. We started to leave, and then heard Daniel call us. So we went back. Spent a good hour or more talking to Daniel. In the mean time, one of the girls went for Apekio and she came back. Had been off to the river washing clothes. Apekio gave us some corn and wentida ( a type of bitter greens); Yunis walked back with us to get some salt and oil. It was starting to rain when we came home. When we got back, I warmed up the soup and fixed the wentida. We had lunch and nap. Had a little bit long nap, and woke up with a bad headache. After nap, we had our prayer time. I cut up the little popo that a boy had brought yesterday. Then I played the keyboard a little while before cleaning the bathroom. After cleaning the bathroom, I made peanut butter bars for Daddy, crackers for myself, and banana pudding for supper. My last batch of crackers was just about done baking when the gas ran out. Daddy went out and changed the tank. I cleaned up the kitchen and started the dishes. Finished up the last lesson of the book of Acts for the Bible school students. Daddy wants to teach on the family next. “29He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 30Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 31Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 32Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders…. 43Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Psalm 107:29—32, 43 Below is a little photo gallery of Manila and his family on the last day of school. To see a picture larger or to read its caption, simply click on it. Enjoy!      December 13. No rain last night, but turned cold and rainy late this afternoon. Has been quite chilly this evening. The Lord sent water through the pipes again this morning so Daddy refilled the tub and the drum in the house. The rain refilled the drum outside this afternoon. Thank you, Lord. Was very grateful for a good night’s sleep last night. Did not wake up until 4:40 this morning. Manila did well in school today. I started reviewing him on questions from all the Bible lessons we have had since the beginning of the school year. There are 234 questions all together. I covered about a third of them today, and was amazed how much he remembered. He only got two wrong out of those. Will continue with the questions tomorrow. In Owena class, I let him choose 25 spelling cards (face down) of all the spelling words for the year. Then I took the cards and called the words for him to spell. He got them all right. Max was here for Bible school today. Luke and Devit came after that. Luke came late because he thought their flour would be on the plane that came today. Kelly came in on the plane. And a load of cargo for Nuanda — store goods. But no flour for Luke. Devit and Luke stayed a long time and talked. The lesson in Acts 19 sparked a lot of thinking about things in their own culture that need to change. We are glad to see how the Scriptures are beginning to change some of their thinking. We just pray that the Scriptures will take root in their hearts and change their hearts as well. Daddy learned that Solomon, Philemon, and Timothy are in Lae, making a music CD at a studio. Their fathers and other relatives collected money for them to get the CD made. They expect to get it back plus more after the CD sells. They said something about preparing for the coming drought of 2012. Please be in prayer as it is only 2011, and they are already in severe drought. After nap today, I made sure everything was ready for school tomorrow. Then I worked on some Bible study notes relating to some of the things that have been going on. Worked more on that this evening. “8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy…. 11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him…. 17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. Psalmn 103:8,11,17,18 December 14. .4” rain yesterday. Raining lightly this evening. Gibson and his kids finished the roof on the woodshed this morning. Wan is still pretty sick. Gibson said yesterday that he was sick with malaria when he walked to Aivonti and back in the hot sun last week. He got really sick after he got back. Some hollering going on last night and again this morning. Jevin said that people have been stealing coffee from his garden. "I am crucified with Christ." Galatians 2:20 The Lord Jesus Christ acted in what He did as a great public representative person, and His dying upon the cross was the virtual dying of all His people. Then all His saints rendered unto justice what was due, and made an expiation to divine vengeance for all their sins. The apostle of the Gentiles delighted to think that as one of Christ's chosen people, he died upon the cross in Christ. He did more than believe this doctrinally, he accepted it confidently, resting his hope upon it. He believed that by virtue of Christ's death, he had satisfied divine justice, and found reconciliation with God. Beloved, what a blessed thing it is when the soul can, as it were, stretch itself upon the cross of Christ, and feel, "I am dead; the law has slain me, and I am therefore free from its power, because in my Surety I have borne the curse, and in the person of my Substitute the whole that the law could do, by way of condemnation, has been executed upon me, for I am crucified with Christ." But Paul meant even more than this. He not only believed in Christ's death, and trusted in it, but he actually felt its power in himself in causing the crucifixion of his old corrupt nature. When he saw the pleasures of sin, he said, "I cannot enjoy these: I am dead to them." Such is the experience of every true Christian. Having received Christ, he is to this world as one who is utterly dead. Yet, while conscious of death to the world, he can, at the same time, exclaim with the apostle, "Nevertheless I live." He is fully alive unto God. The Christian's life is a matchless riddle. No worldling can comprehend it; even the believer himself cannot understand it. Dead, yet alive! crucified with Christ, and yet at the same time risen with Christ in newness of life! Union with the suffering, bleeding Saviour, and death to the world and sin, are soul-cheering things. O for more enjoyment of them! —Morning and Evening “1Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty…. 24O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches…. 31The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works…. 33I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. 34My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.” Psalm 104:1, 24, 31, 33,34 December 15. 1/2” rain last night. A little bit of sunshine this morning, but mostly cloudy and cool this afternoon. More rain. Daddy continued preaching on the family in lotu this morning — 1 Corinthians 11:3, the order of authority. Devit took charge of the singing and prayer time. In school, I had Manila practice all the verses — Owena and English — that he will be saying on Friday, and we sang them all too. Then I finished asking the rest of the Bible questions that covered all the lessons we had had since the beginning of the year. He only missed 7 out of the 234 questions, so I was quite pleased. He even remember in order the nine plagues that God sent upon Egypt before the final plague and the Passover. I gave him a little book about God as a prize. Manila also finished up his math book today. So tomorrow we will just do more practice for Friday, finish up English, and finish up his project for his dad. This afternoon, Ruth came to tell about her teacher’s training in Lae. We had heard that she was assigned to go somewhere else since no children had signed up for school. But she said that they don’t assign her. She gets to choose for herself. If she wants to take over the school we started, she can put it under CIS if she wants to. She said that the families whose kids were in this school before want them to come finish. So we’ll have to see what can be worked out. I took her over and showed her the schoolroom. She said she hadn’t seen it before. Showed her some of the materials we had been using as well. "Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her." Ruth 1:14 Both of them had an affection for Naomi, and therefore set out with her upon her return to the land of Judah. But the hour of test came; Naomi most unselfishly set before each of them the trials which awaited them, and bade them if they cared for ease and comfort to return to their Moabitish friends. At first both of them declared that they would cast in their lot with the Lord's people; but upon still further consideration Orpah with much grief and a respectful kiss left her mother in law, and her people, and her God, and went back to her idolatrous friends, while Ruth with all her heart gave herself up to the God of her mother in law. It is one thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair, and quite another to cleave to them under all discouragements and difficulties. The kiss of outward profession is very cheap and easy, but the practical cleaving to the Lord, which must show itself in holy decision for truth and holiness, is not so small a matter. How stands the case with us, is our heart fixed upon Jesus, is the sacrifice bound with cords to the horns of the altar? Have we counted the cost, and are we solemnly ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master's sake? The after gain will be an abundant recompense, for Egypt's treasures are not to be compared with the glory to be revealed. Orpah is heard of no more; in glorious ease and idolatrous pleasure her life melts into the gloom of death; but Ruth lives in history and in heaven, for grace has placed her in the noble line whence sprung the King of kings. Blessed among women shall those be who for Christ's sake can renounce all; but forgotten and worse than forgotten shall those be who in the hour of temptation do violence to conscience and turn back unto the world. O that this morning we may not be content with the form of devotion, which may be no better than Orpah's kiss, but may the Holy Spirit work in us a cleaving of our whole heart to our Lord Jesus. —Morning and Evening “1O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 2Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. 3Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 4Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.” Psalm 105:1-4  Hello everyone! I've decided to delete the sound file for the song, "Now I Belong to Jesus" since it is still under copyright. Even though it is available on some other sites for free, I did not feel comfortable about leaving it here. Thanks for understanding.
15Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. 16In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. 17For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. 18For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king. Psalm 89:15-18 |
 Lewis and Judy Young
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March 2016
CategoriesThis clock shows the time in Papua New Guinea - 14 hours ahead of Easter Standard Time during Daylight Savings. And 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time the rest of the year.
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