4 Mile prayers

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• June 11 As the rain is covering the Midwest and ball games are cancelled or postponed, there is one thing that loves it, the Iowa corn. The old saying, 'knee high by the fourth of July' has been superseded by knee high by June 4 and tasseled by July 4!  With the late planting this year it looked like the old saying would once again be true, but GOD has shown favor and it looks more like tassels by July. Man has made great strides in hybrid crop development, but without rain and sun there is no crop. GOD remains in control and refreshes the soil with rain. I think of the middle east and all I see on TV is a desolate desert, without trees or grass. The same land described as flowing with milk and honey is desolate. GOD can withhold any favor HE chooses and we should realize that our nation can look the same if we are separated from GOD. As we search for leaders of our government we must have men of understanding that GOD is the ALMIGHTY, not men! "Be courageous and let us act like men to save our cities of our GOD". Let us once again hear, "In GOD we TRUST." May GOD bless you. 
• June 10 "There is going to come a day of wrath when GOD will be the just judge of all the world. HE will give each one whatever his deeds deserve. HE will give eternal life to those who patiently do the will of GOD, but will terribly punish those who fight against the TRUTH of GOD and walk in evil ways." There will be sorrow and suffering for all who keep on sinning. But GLORY and HONOR and PEACE for those who obey. SALVATION is not given to those who know what to do, unless they DO IT! Be a doer of what GOD lays upon your heart,  if you fail to act then what good is FAITH? If we do not do as GOD has asked us, there will be no excuse on judgement day. May we each have enough FAITH to do what is right and enough strength to leave sin behind. GOD BLESS you. 
• June 9 Anyone who lives in Iowa can tell you about the summer heat and humidity. The one thing that loves those conditions is corn and it thrives here. Those who have no air conditioning are stronger than I am! Just as the corn plant thrives in the conditions that Iowa has, we too can thrive in the conditions that the BIBLE outlines. The conditions that are laid out in its pages are the fertilizer that allows us to grow in GOD. Without those divine conditions adhered too we fail to grow and in fact degrade as a species. Those who trust GOD can easily be distinguished from the ones around them. Just as a plant of corn is different than a weed that may grow next to it. The corn plant produces a yield of useful product while the weed produces only fodder for the fire. The difference is the WORD of GOD and the positive way it is put into practice. During these hot and sticky months ahead, remember that GOD, who makes all things grow, can transform us into a growing useful and productive being. We can only grow when our roots are in HIS soil. We can grow in HIM. You are hybrid seed, made to produce a multitude!  GOD bless you. 
• June 8 At men's meeting Saturday we had a wonderful breakfast and a great meeting to follow. These are a few notes and thoughts. I, we, were made by GOD, for GOD. We are in rebellion if we are not serving the MASTER. How would our lives change if we knew we would see GOD today? We all know of those who were taken expectantly, what if you or I were next? We have no idea when our life here will come to an end, are we prepared for that next step? The thought is, that we just fall asleep, but satan has deceived many with that misrepresntation. GOD says, there will be a place of torment OR a place of rest that awaits us. Which should we believe. Our own thoughts or GOD'S WORD? Is our regard for life to high? Death is the DESTINY of every man, yet we remain so unprepared.  We may have made up our minds what the future may hold, but only GOD holds the future. Why would we spend eternity in hell when we are told how to avoid that position? Our choice matters, it makes ALL the difference. May GOD bless you. 
•  June 7 Last night we went to the car races that were held near our house. It was after 11 when we got home and there were only around 48 cars! Since we used to race some years ago, when there would be 30 cars in a class, we were uncomforted by the lack of useful time management. It made me consider how we use our time and how GOD may be a bit inpatient with us for it. HE knows the way we should live to make our lives run smoothly and efficiently. How upset HE must become when we use our time so unproductively.  It is no wonder we witness such disorder and chaos in our civilization today, we have become so separated from GOD that we are lost and confused as a nation. Thank GOD there remains a way to relieve ourselves from the chaos! HIS SON was sent to show us the way. If we refuse to follow, then only a waste of our time is ahead. May we each follow the outline that has been provided. GOD bless you. 
• June 6 King Solomon said that all things were worthless, as he had tried many things to have enjoyment, yet all failed. As we look back at what we thought were some of the most troubling times of our lives or when we thought through tough decisions, we find that in the end, they were nothing. The only permanent and meaning venture of our lives remains GOD. Everything else is meaningless! I remember that as a kid we had times of hunger and the lack of security, but it consumes nothing of what is real for eternity. The moments of today's life result in a wisp of value when we take all things into account. The sum of ALL our time here on this earth is but a test of our eternal value. Nothing goes with us. When we see the utter worthless value of our worry and struggles to gain attention or fame, then we can see the GLORY ahead and 'lay up our treasures in HEAVEN. Nothing on earth has eternal
  value, but our soul is eternal. May GOD bless you. 
• June 5 My, how this week has flown by. There have been multiple ball games that our granddaughter plays, car races and many other events that make us glad to get home and take care of the animals. We say, 'it's good to be home' after only being gone a few hours. I am reminded of our HOME in HEAVEN and the eternity that follows our passing. Each day we can see the events leading to that glorious day when those who BELIEVE will shout, it's good to be home! But there will be the multitudes that will leave this earth for eternal torment. I hope that today YOU can say, I am looking forward to going home and not be in fear of that transition. There truly is 'No place like home'. GOD bless you. 
• June 4 "The luck of the draw" we may have said it ourselves. A fellow hunter and friend let me know that members of his family were drawn to receive elk hunting licenses for this falls hunting season. It seems that most states have gone to some sort of lottery system to regulate nonresident hunters, while increasing the limit or license capabilities for residents. We once traveled to other states and could purchase tags over the counter at Walmart or a licensing agent, but those times are past. Thank GOD that HE has not changed the way that we can become saved from eternal death. We have been told, "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and you will be saved." That faith requires some commitment, just like filling out an application. Unlike those hunting licenses our salvation is free of charge, the price has been paid with CHRIST'S blood so that all who believe may enter. The application form lays within each heart; we just need to complete the words. May you take the time to fill in your name so that it is written in 'The Book of Life' so that there is no luck of the draw. GOD bless you. 
• June 3 Give and take; we have all heard it said from time to time. But it is one of life's choices that we make many times each day. In ALL things we either give or take, we choose. Far too often we are in the take mode, we take the best of everything for ourselves. We reason, who would give the very best to someone else? We have been given the best of this earth, the best in housing, food, jobs, everything! Yet we want more. We take and seldom give. HE gave HIS life that we may live. HE does not hold it over us as if to brag. HE gave us the choice to follow HIS example. Today, look at the opportunities you have to give rather than take. There will be a blessing with that choice. GOD bless you. 
• June 2 In 2018 I had a stroke and GOD saw fit to allow me to recover quickly. My former boss however has been lying in bed for a year now since he suffered a stroke and is slowly giving up. Yesterday I asked him some questions that he alone needed to answer. After some thought he wrote the answer on the white board. They were hard questions to ask and even harder to answer. But he still has a bright mind despite a weakening and inactive body. The sad part is that no one asks what he wants, the answers that he holds, he has no choice, others do with his things as they wish! Just as we have the choice to follow GOD, we are led by satan or others as if we are doomed to the sentence ahead. But we are NOT! We can choose to battle and let our soul soar with the SPIRIT, not be constrained to the pit of torment. Our body's are weak, but we have the CHOICE to be delivered or condemned. Our fear of man cannot outweigh the fear of GOD. There is a day of judgement ahead. We do not know the day or hour, but that time is approaching. Decide today, while you can, who you will follow. May GOD bless you. 
• June 1 I am sure that we have all heard the phrase, 'Heaven on earth'. That phrase can bring all sorts of thoughts to our minds and hearts. But, bare with me a little. When we have a good day, we think of HEAVEN and when we have a horrible day we liken it to hell. Now think of a good day when everything is going great and people are helping each other and the very poorest are aided by their neighbor. And consider the way we witness the actions of people today. You can see that we have the ability to either make our day as 'heaven on earth' or turning it into a place of torment. Void of GOD our house and neighborhood will become as hell and many are. But we also have within us the choice to change that area of hell into a garden of Eden! It is within each of us to create 'heaven on earth'! Our faith and actions create a garden; the lack of that same faith produces exactly what we witness in the world today. A change of heart changes a world. Make sure that we each do our part to cultivate the heaven on our area of earth. GOD bless you. 
• May 30 Some may be asked this question, "Why  has the LORD done such things to this nation?" And the answer will be, "The people abandoned the LORD their GOD, they worshiped other gods instead." Each day we can see the results of the failure to WORSHIP GOD. The very nation that was established in the name of GOD a mere 250 years ago is filled with riots and division. The house divided will collapse. And the resulting failure will allow the enemy to take over without a shot being fired! Why? Because WE have failed GOD, GOD has NEVER failed to do as HE has spoken. Unless we turn back to GOD and worship HIM ALONE, we will not see the 300 years of our 'independence', we will be 'celebrating' our demise of greatness. People will stand speechless and marvel at the destruction brought upon ourselves. Repent and return to GOD or watch HIS hand destroy. May GOD have mercy on our souls.
•  May 29 Technology has surpassed my thinking and I am at its mercy most of the time. If it were not for my grandkids I would be totally lost! These days one receives their money and has it placed into their 'wallet' phone and disperses it in some form. I know how people felt when checking was first established. It is hard to use actual cash as payment because the 'cashier' doesn't know how to count back your money. At an event today you have to use a card or a phone, no 'money' is handled!  So, the amount of our 'cash on hand' is literally nothing, but a number is held by an account somewhere. It is good to know that GOD is with us at all times, not an invisible and unobtainable being. HE has sent HIS SON as a witness,  who in turn has sent the HOLY SPIRIT to minister to us. Our money has become a numbers trail, unreal to accumulate the actual monetary value. But the value of GOD'S salvation is witnessed every day by those who TRUST in HIM. Our trust in things of this world will fail us. But to 'trust in GOD is eternal. May GOD be with you.
•     May 28 During the off time from hunting, I walk to try to keep in some form of fitness.  As I was walking the other day,  I noticed that most people look down as they walk. I thought, why are we looking at where we are and not looking at where we want to go? It is no wonder that we are startled by the serpent when we are ready to step on it, when we should have seen it long before. Instead of our tracks going straight toward our destination they wonder in a winding manner and go off course! Men of vision look ahead at where they want to be and steadily go toward that goal. They see the obstacles ahead and plan a way passed them, reaching the goal. Too many of us stumble over the obstacles in our path when we are amongst them. Our vision of the future is where we are now, we are failing to look up at what is ahead. LORD lift my eyes to see YOUR KINGDOM ahead and let me walk to YOU unobstructed, seeing the serpents' tricks ahead and making my way past the pitfalls of life. Look up, for the KINGDOM of GOD is near. GOD bless you. 

May 27 Yesterday I was shooting my bow trying to shoot the flip tab off a beverage can at 15 yards. I had done it twice before but the tab was not hit squarely enough to slide over the arrow shaft. However yesterday it happened the way it was supposed to and I sent some pictures to those that may be interested in such things. It didn't happen on the first shot or the second, but my stiff-necked determination won out. Then From Acts:7 I thought, what a stiff-necked heathen I am. For I forever resist the HOLY SPIRIT just as my ancestors. All the prophets were persecuted and killed, even the RIGHTEOUS ONE, the SON of GOD. Yes, we deliberately disobey GOD'S law even though we have received them from the hand of GOD.  I worked to achieve something worthless and let the opportunities of GOD slip by. No wonder I am stiff-necked. May we each GLORIFY GOD with praise and service, thanks and obedience and loose our stiff neck status. GOD bless you. 

May 26 We are given the opportunity to repent and to have our sins forgiven and we must obey GOD rather than men. We have the chance to witness to others every day. Telling them the things that GOD has done for us and the WORD that has been shown. We have the opportunity to stand for GOD or stand in defiance against HIM. The SPIRIT brings the WORD to our minds and too often we do not speak what we are given. Afraid we will be 'different' or unaccepted. What is to gain to please the whole world and defy God? Within each of us there is a calling, a drawing toward a SPIRIT of GOD. We either do as we are asked or stand in opposition. Again, a choice. These choices transfer us to an eternal place. Will you answer the call or ignore the caller? GOD bless you. 

   May 25 "Why do the heathen rage against the LORD and the foolish nations plan their little plots against ALMIGHTY GOD?"  Our sin is rebellion against what GOD has asked us to do. HE does not demand that we do anything, but warns of the punishment ahead when we fail to obey! We have a choice! "All of us must die eventually, our lives are like water that is poured out on the ground, it can't be gathered up again." The result of a sinful life is eternity in hell, but we can change that destination with a simple change of heart and mind. We have been given 'free will', to do as we choose. We must decide if eternal torment is worth the choice we make today. We are the heathen that rage against GOD or who WORSHIP HIM. That choice is ours today. But HIS WORD defines what our punishment or reward will be afterwards. May GOD'S WORD make a differance with us today. GOD bless you. 

  May 24 JESUS had told the disciples that when HE returned to HEAVEN, HE would send the HOLY SPIRIT to them.  "Seven weeks had gone by since JESUS death and resurrection when they were gathered together that the SPIRIT was upon them."  Do you think that they were beginning to question what CHRIST had told them after a time? I wonder that in this day of wanting things immediately, would I have held out hope for nearly 2 months? We expect GOD to act to our wants at a split second rate and become impatient, turning toward unbelief far too quickly. Time passes and we fail to see the Hand of GOD moving the mountians all around us. Our eyes are closed to HIS action and replys. Look back just one year in your life, how has GOD made HIS WORD become a reality? When we read HIS WORD, we are a witness to the WORD that has manifested into what is real today. Right before our eyes we can see what was spoken long ago. Or, we can lose the whole scope of reality in 7 weeks. It is our choice today. May GOD bless you. 

 May 23 "O Lord God, why have you showered your blessings on such an insignificant person as I am?" These words that David spoke should be on our lips every day! Instead, we grumble about our health, wealth or gribe about what we do not have. Too often overlooking those great blessings that money can never buy. Moments with our family's or friends that we enjoy are more satisfying than an expensive meal. Memories that remain with us for our lifetime of those few moments in an eternity of time. We have been so blessed that it has become easy to overlook what GOD has done in our time, in our lives. We need to be FAITHFUL to GOD and be grateful. Who can remember that 1st grandchild? Yet cannot recall what they ate for supper last night? Our standard of importance has waned away from what is valuable, we replace it with things that will never last. Our valuables perish from mold and mildew while we allow what is priceless to slip away while we chase the unimportant. What is important to you? Will it last forever, or become dust? Store up treasures in HEAVEN.  May You count GOD'S blessings each day. HE gives to us because HE loves us.

  May 22 The news reached us yesterday that Kyle Busch had died at age 41. He was 16 when we met at a race, to young to be in NASCAR at the time. And were at IRP when he won his first race in Nascar. He later has become one of the winningnest drivers in history! But wealth, fame, or honor was not his goal, he just wanted to win, to be the best! Kyle was in last week's race so his passing was sudden. He had been suffering from a sinus infection, but we do not know the cause of his passing. We go through life and are surprised and shocked when eternity arrives. No matter our status we will at some point be taken from this world. We MUST be prepared! There will be NO warnings of the day or hour, we have to make the choice ourselves beforehand and then live in a way that HE would have us live. To gain is but a loss,  the things of this world are nothing if you do not receive forgiveness! Make certian that you are not just following the leader. Make a plan to pass the things of this world and be in the winner's circle next to GOD. May you have the knowledge of your eternal home today! GOD bless you. 

May 13 During our lifetime we have many choices to make. What to wear, where to go, our jobs, houses, cars and what to eat. Many of those choices are small and some are, well, life changing! I have a friend that worked at his own business and along with his partner accumulated what would be a fortune to many. Now he lays in bed, a victim of a stroke, while his children manipulate for his wealth. In the 11 months since the stroke, they have visited him 4 times! Each time that I read the words from Peter as JESUS talked, "Are you going too?" Peter said, "Master, to whom shall we go? You alone have the word of eternal life and we believe them and KNOW you are the HOLY SON of GOD!" After talking to my friend several times and receiving answers of unbelief, I was in near tears when he told me that he now believes! All the pleasures of this world have been behind him for nearly a year; he knows now that our life here is but a test. As I left him Monday I said, if I don't see you again I will see you and before I could say next Monday, he said very plainly, in HEAVEN! All the riches of this world mean nothing now, only eternity matters. Do not wait until that last moment to realize that your choice is eternal. GOD bless you.

   May 12 Saturday my grandson and a friend of his went to the river fishing. We only caught a few small fish! It used to be that we could catch quite a few large fish, but an invasive fish that we call 'jumping carp' have over taken over and the other fish have left. At times, and especially in June to go on a boat is down rite dangerous as so many of the jumping carp, jump out of the water that they land in the boat and hit you. They are hard and slimy and no fun to deal with. Our society has become saturated with a 'species' that is taking over. Most will not recognize it until a 'good fish' is hard to find! We just allow them to grow and take over until it is too late. We lose our place in the pond, our species becomes more extinct each year and we do nothing. GOD has prepared a way, through JESUS CHRIST , that we may grow and flourish, yet we all too often get mixed into the growing stream of roughage and loose our way. It is important to remain faithful and true to GOD and not mix with all that take up residence around us and becoming polluted ourselves. We have become small fish in a large pond, but GOD is larger and will save those who come to HIM. May we each turn to the LORD and be saved before the waters are cleared of all species, both good and bad. GOD bless you.

  May 10 Just as the Israelites turned away from GOD by not instructing the next generation the ways to love and follow GOD, we as a nation have followed that poor example. From a time of 'in GOD we trust' to rebellion against both God and country. We no longer pledge allegiance to the flag of our country, but wave our enemy's flag in defiant rebellion! The LORD'S prayer has given way to both riot and open defiance against authority. We are so lost we have no idea what is true or artificial. Our intelligence has been replaced by foreign ideas that assist in leading astray those who have a toe hold. All because we do not teach our new generation the WORD of GOD and faithfully teach what satan has promoted. Our leaders fall to the loudest callings of man and ignore GOD. So few take the stand of Joshua and proclaim to follow GOD'S commands, we would sooner follow as lost sheep, those who are lead astray. The remedy to our woes is to repent and seek again the LORD, or continue in self-destruction while separated from HIM. We must inform the next generations to know GOD. There are no blessings where GOD is vacant. May GOD bless you. 

comprehension and who can stop it? Baby showers now are soon replaced with graduation ceremonies and the cycle continues. When we rest and think that we have so little to do in the whole development of a lifetime. The tough choices and decisions along the way are but faint memories. There is only one choice that has everlasting consequences, that eternal decision of our soul to be placed within our 'forever' home. Our choice is made a little at a time or at one moment but it is made. And our ever-approaching time for placement rolls toward us without pause. Today the choice is yours to make, soon that time will have passed. May you make the choice to believe in JESUS and may GOD bless you as time is surely passing. The saying that 'time stands still for no man' surely stands. Be ready for the final placement. GOD bless you

   May 8 As JESUS was arrested, HE said, "But this is your moment, a time when satans power reigns supreme."  But satan failed, CHRIST was killed yet HE arose, showing the POWER, that GOD had over satan and that moment has been repeated each time a person turns from sin to GOD! JESUS command to the disciples, and to us, is "Pray to GOD that you will not be overcome by temptation."  The weapon that is used to pluck us away from GOD, temptation. It has no power when we ignore it, yet it controls our every action if we give in. We each have given into it. We all can be free from its power, when we establish a barrier of GOD around and in us. Without that fortress we fall like the walls of Jerico. GOD answers our earnest prayer, when we take action ourselves. Defeat temptation with the POWER that GOD gives and HE will bless. 

   May 7 Somehow it has turned to summer with all its busy ball games and other sports. Even though we take our winter coats and wear sweatshirts! One of these days soon the weather will catch up, with all its heat and humidity and the air conditioners will begin their time of activity. Time rips by at a pace beyond comprehension and who can stop it? Baby showers now are soon replaced with graduation ceremonies and the cycle continues. When we rest and think that we have so little to do in the whole development of a lifetime. The tough choices and decisions along the way are but faint memories. There is only one choice that has everlasting consequences, that eternal decision of our soul to be placed within our 'forever' home. Our choice is made a little at a time or at one moment, but it is made. And our ever-approaching time for placement rolls toward us without pause. Today the choice is yours to make, soon that time will have passed. May you make the choice to believe in JESUS and may GOD bless you as time is surely passing. The saying that 'time stands still for no man' surely stands. Be ready for the final placement. GOD bless you.

  May 6 "For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and there wilk be great earthquakes and famines in many lands and epidemics and terrible things happening in the heavens."  Part of our warning that was offered by JESUS when HIS disciples asked if there would be a warning before the end times. I wonder, who has heeded those signs? CHRIST added, "Watch out! Don't let my sudden coming catch you unaware, don't let me find you living in careless ease and occupied with the problems of this life, like all the rest of this world. Keep a constant watch."  The news never says 'keep a watch' for GOD'S WORD is advancing in our day. We only have GOD'S WORD that these things Will occur. Is GOD a liar? Is HE just telling us to make us fearful? No! So, pay attention to what GOD has said and NOT the words of man. In our lifetime or seconds after we die, there will be judgement. Will you be prepared? HIS WORD commands that we make ready. Do you go on vacation without any preparation or packing? 

   May 5 Like a puppy we are like angels, when we are good and like a demon when we are bad. It takes us awhile to learn to behave correctly. But there are those who never learn. They misbehave so much that the 'right' becomes confused with the not as bad as usual. We miss out on the treasures that GOD bestows onto those who are trying to follow his plan.  You can plainly see the difference when watching the Godly and ungodly family's! There is a clear difference, it is visible to everyone. But if we act as a defiant puppy, we only receive punishment. Even nature shows the GLORY and forgiveness that is GOD'S. How defiant we are, that we can see the difference and still not come before the LORD in repentance. We stand between blessings and curses. Which do you choose? Both are available and within our grasp. Why would we choose the curse of death, while the blessings are within our reach? Begin today to reach for GOD'S blessing, HE will not fail.

May 4 "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life."  Not a promise by any man, this is a promise from GOD! Why would we doudt it? Have we placed GOD as normal or nothing, that we should not fear or respect HIS WORD? GOD sits on a throne with great bursts of light flashing from HIM, as from a glittering diamond or a ruby. A rainbow surrounds HIM glowing as an emerald!  Is that normal? He cannot be created on the silver screen of this earth. HIS WORD is eternal! Yet we take HIS WORD for granted, HIS promise as fiction. Right up to the moment of our destruction, when we cry for HIS aid. The time to seek HIM is NOW! The future is too uncertain to wait. May GOD become a part of our daily life. HE loves us so much. GOD bless you.

  May 3 In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, who was in torment after his death, asked Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his 5 brothers. But Abraham said, " The scriptures have warned them again and again. Your brothers can read them any time they want to."  The rich man replied, "No, father Abraham, they won't bother to read them. But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will turn from their sins." Abraham replied, "If they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't listen, even though someone rises from the dead!"  We have the WORD of GOD and fail to read. We have the CHRIST who has risen from the dead. An yet our nation makes the choice to go into torment. Please, take the WORD and read it. Know that GOD'S SON has risen from the dead to forgive all who BELIEVE! Or spend eternity in torment. That is the choice we have before us. Everything else has no meaning. We too may read the WORD of GOD any time we want. May GOD be with you.

 May 2 Today is men's meeting and I have looked forward to that meeting that is once a month for several years. We have seen men come and go but there are many 'regulars' that come most of the time. Last meeting we sat at a long table and they said that there were 12 of us. It would have been like the last supper except CHRIST was in SPIRIT and not in body. The world has lost the fact that GOD is still in charge! HE remains attentive to what is going on in each of our lives. We have not given HIM the attention and respect HE deserves. We place HIM alone off to the side until we are in trouble, then expect HIS immediate reaction. Who could find someone that they rejected so often to aid them when in trouble? And then immediately reject them again! Of all the men in a city only 12 can meet to give praise? Is it any wonder that our nation has become separated from the 'milk and honey' that once graced our land? Do you seek GOD or what the world offers?

  April 30 This morning as I read this passage, "How privileged you are to see what you have seen." I recalled memories from my youth. Walking a mile to swim in a tiny creek that had a 3-foot-deep hole of water. Or on a hot day jumping into the cold water of the watering trough! Going to camp or just staying outside in a tent. Seeing all the relatives as we sat to eat on long benches at a family reunion. Or seeing the hams that hung in the cellar that were coated with salt and smelled of hickory smoke. Going to hobby hole with the fishing pole, some worms in a can. Or meeting people that become friends in a wilderness. And so much more... But this is the wonderful thought of the day, " Jehovah is GOD both in HEAVEN and down here on earth and there is no GOD other than HIM!' Our time as kids turned toward rebellion and sin against GOD, but we can always return and be reunited with HIM, we can never return to the fountain of youth. Praise GOD that HE has not abanded us, as time has from our youth. Together we grow older, but HE waits for us, longing to have us return, waiting patiently for the reunion we had when we were young. May GOD bless you. For we are so privileged to see what we have seen.

 April 29 The weather has turned from hot to once again cool enough for coats. And as we sat watching our granddaughters ball game, with mist in the air, it was quite chilly. The saying in Iowa is if you don't like the weather just wait 5 minutes. Well 5 minutes may be an exaggeration. But it does change quickly!  Just as when Jesus is allowed into our lives, things start to change. We are given the opportunities to pass on GOD'S WORD. But, just as the grain sown on the pathway or the stoney ground, it will be taken away or dried up, if we do not let it grow within us. We have the choice to do GOD'S work or our own thing. Our own thing is sin, because away from GOD, that is all we know! Just as the Iowa weather can change quickly, so can our lives, either for the better or not so good. Make the choice to turn to the ways that are acceptable to GOD and flourish. Do not fail and become as fruitless vines, we are made to be of great value, not just sticks for the fire. May GOD bless you.

    April 28 One of my most treasured friends, texted me with a wish today. As I answered, my heart was filled with the hope that we would be able to meet once again someday. It is great to hear from our friends and loved ones that we care so much about. It makes me think of the love that GOD holds for us and how HE must care for us and want to visit with each of us. We become separated through time or circumstances but HE is patiently waiting for our return. That separation is uncomfortable for us as we know that GOD remains, waiting for our return. HE is waiting with open arms, those who are separated and return. Our hearts have so many pains that we cannot mend, but separation from GOD for eternity is a death that we should fear. May GOD be your desire and comforter; may you seek what is true through HIS WORD and prepare for the reunion that will come. God bless you.

  April 27 Each time that I read through Numbers and see all the sacrifices that were to made to GOD, I am marveled. The bulls, rams, sheep and goats were to be given at regular times, plus many more on the special days of celebration.  Today we find it trying to put money into the offering plate at Church, if we are even at Church! GOD demanded animals with no defect, the best of their herds. We pass off the things that we no longer want or need as a 'gift'. And wonder why we are not blessed or receive HIS guidance. After having ignored HIM, we serve ourselves, pick out the best for our own use. And have forgotten to even thank GOD for our bounty. We survive in a sad state of affairs without giving an offering or a thought to GOD. Then wonder why our nation is torn by the spirit of division so easily. Our fate is approaching and it most certainly will be painful, if we do not return to GOD. May we each make the 'sacrifice' of THANKING GOD FIRST. GOD'S blessings are awaiting our response.

   April 26 Eve was deceived by satan, not because she had nothing, but because she knew GOD and would walk with HIM in the garden. Adam who also knew GOD and walked with HIM also broke the rules! We all can step away from GOD for something that we talk ourselves into wanting when we already have it all! Even while we are tied to GOD with a strong cord, satan cuts away at it with a knife. Trying to separate us from the ONE that is patiently waiting for us to come to HIM. We have everything and want more, but that more is outside the boundaries, the forbidden fruit. One seeks to save, the other is bent to destroy and we all too often seek self destruction! Bind the cord that supports our future, repair the broken walls between ourselves and the CREATOR! Return to the ONE who loves and allow HIM to bless us. 

  April 25 From the time GOD created Adam until the flood that destroyed those things living on the earth was 8 generations. Such a short time to have gone from GOD'S creation to "I am sorry that I have made man!" Just imagine how far we have separated ourselves in the generations that have passed since Noah! There have been times that mankind and its leaders have returned to GOD in the times that followed, one was David. A young boy that followed GOD. Apparently, his brothers did not, because they were not chosen nor did they react to the giant that defiled the name of GOD! You see, it is our own individual choice. We can follow the crowds and one can only be 'amazed' at the way they are behaving. Or turn to GOD, who has loved those who love HIM throughout history. But has given wars, famine and death to those who do not. Our ETERNAL life is determined by our actions today. Our outcome is not governed by ancestry, but by our own FAITH. GOD bless you.

  April 24 When John was preaching to the people along the Jordan river, he spoke the words that need to be spoken today. "You brood of snakes!  You are trying to escape hell without truly turning to GOD!"  Those words can describe the majority of the 'faithful' even today. John followed with these words, "First go and prove, by the way you live, that you really have repented!" Our words are weak, when we 'profess' our FAITH and then have no actions or proof that there is any FAITH behind our word. Has the god of our lives become something other than the eternal GOD that has formed the universe an everything within it? We drain our lives to make more and forget when we have 'enough'. Our lives revolve around service, we have just forgotten that we are to serve and not be served. Once again, the words, "FAITH without works is dead."  ETERNAL LIFE without FAITH is only experienced in hell. May we each do as GOD has patterned for us, in the life of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. GOD bless you.

   April 23 Have you ever tried to move an object without touching it?  Or wished that you could travel to visit a friend without driving there, just showed up? We wonder about all the mysteries and think of other things that we wish we could do, but cannot. Our bodies are weak and we contract both sickness and brokenness. Even our most treasured things become old, frail and weak, broken and worthless. When GOD told Moses that HE was going to send the people meat, Moses questioned HIM. GOD'S reply was, "When did I become weak? Now you shall see whether MY WORD comes true or not!"  Of course, GOD'S WORD gave meat to the multitudes for not a day or two but an entire month! We have come accustomed to the thought, that if we cannot do something it can't be done! We fail to be a witness to the daily news that proclaims GOD'S exact fulfillment. Look at the division between man's thinking today. Is it not foretold in GOD'S WORD? Just because we fail to watch does not keep HIS WORDS from becoming a reality. Each day HIS WORD becomes closer to the final judgement. We need to recognize the WORD and know that GOD has not become weak! 

   April 22 I don't know about you, but I have made promises that I have not kept. Perhaps there has been times that I didn't even intend to keep the promises that were made. Have you ever made statements that were never kept? Gabriel, the angel that stands in the very presence of GOD has stated, "For every promise from GOD shall surely come true." There is NO talk that is not backed by HIS action! The proof of that statement has been reality to men from their very creation! Some of those promises are good and others are as punishment for our disobedience. We still, to this very day, say things that we are not going to do. But GOD does NOT! There are some who seem to have a wonderful life, and the ones who do receive those blessings as a result of their FAITH in GOD.  May we, as Mary said, "I am the LORD'S SERVANT and willing to do whatever HE asks." Our blessings come from GOD and are eternal, never wasting away like the valuables of this world. Put your TRUST in the ETERNAL value and TRUTH of GOD'S ACTIONS. May GOD bless you.

  April 21 Druvel our new puppy, spent the entire day outside as we were gone most of the day and into the evening. It was also the first time that he was not put into the outdoor kennel, so he had to stay in the yard on his own, a big chore to a small animal. We found him comfortably asleep under the grill by the back door when we got home. He was glad to see us and to get fresh food and of course demand attention. I know that when GOD allowed me to roam alone that I did not secure my safety next to HIS house, instead I ran toward the world! The things that call us toward sin are so inviting and relentless in number, yet just like that pup we can do the right thing. If we choose to or are afraid enough of the results of wandering off, then we will find it more comfortable to stay at home. There will be a time when the pup may be overcome with curiosity and do what is wrong but unlike men, most will return to the safe place of love and care. Thank GOD that I finally saw the LIGHT! May we each know that the punishment is far greater than the sin that is committed, that the result of our wandering is SEPARATION from GOD. Return home if you become lost, the MASTER is waiting. GOD bless you.

   April 20 I kept receiving photos from my sister on my phone. And each one had it's questions. Where was that taken, when was that?  It showed me how little I remember from the past. Those things that were so important then, are lost to memory, because they were not that important at all. When young we are thinking of life ahead of us and the things that we want at that time. When we become older and have taken what GOD has offered, we forget those things of life and attach ourselves to what is really important for eternity. The BIBLE says, we will put our childish things behind us, we are to gather around those things of GOD! There is more to life than the here and now, we are all awaiting the eternal destination that we are choosing today. It is good to remember those 'days of yore' but the time ahead is what will really matter. May GOD bless as we prepare for our eternal life, the memories of today long forgotten in the GLORY of HEAVEN or the torment of hell. Today we have decisions to make that last forever.  

  April 19 Yesterday after my grandson was blessed with a nice turkey, I sent pictures to those that I thought would be interested. I was proud of him and of the fine bird that we were blessed with. We keep many keepsakes and photographs to remind us of the joyous times we have experienced and those memories are with us for a long time. We show them off, bring them up in our conversations and brag at times. It is to our shame that we do not do the same with our faith! To share GOD in words and feelings to others, along with the many blessings that we receive. We cannot overlook or take for granted what GOD has done. Yet too often we do. Our lives become to consumed with ourselves and our own treasures and GOD is put aside. Take time to reflect on the treasures and memories that HE has been a part of and soon we will see that HE is a part of it ALL! May GOD bless you.

   April 18 Yesterday I saw turkeys and deer and this morning my grandson is coming to hunt and with GOD'S help we can get that ol tom. It is exciting to have my grandson come hunt and I cherish each trip. But how I wait for CHRIST'S return. I have been preparing for that day and wait excitedly for the moment the LORD comes with a shout! Time will run out for those unprepared and that will be a bad day for them, but those who are accepted will be swept away to GLORY. I hope that you are ready, you are the salt of this earth, but you will also flavor HEAVEN. Until that day comes, let us be ready, help others and GLORIFY GOD. God bless you.

  April 17 Arrived at the blind and was set up by 5:30 am. The last 4 days have not even presented a gobble but perhaps today is different. In our daily living we may look forward to some things and others, not so much, but we expect life to continue. There was a promise made that CHRIST will return. Some are looking forward to that moment, others may not. But the day of reckoning will come and perhaps this will be that day. Only GOD'S WORD can prepare us for that moment. I pray that we are ready. GOD bless you.

    April 16 Yesterday I thought that I would do a little mushroom hunting. So, after applying a spray to reject ticks, I took the 4-wheeler and headed to a likely spot. In about a half hour, I had been blessed with 9 nice sized grey mushrooms and headed home. Soon I felt a spot that itched and found the first of 11 ticks!  It made me wonder if it was worth the search and how the wildlife was able to endure. In our lives, we are suspect to the many barrages of attacks by satan. We often endure those attacks without even knowing of their existence as they burrow into our lives. They contaminate and sicken, yet we are unaware other than perhaps an annoying itch. GOD help us to be cleansed from the infections of satans tricks. Let us put on the shield of protection that actually works. GOD'S WORD is the barrier that delivers results. May GOD protect and bless you, as we travel and exist in a world filled with pests and attacks. GOD bless you.

   April 15 Around 3 o'clock this morning I was aw