Someone has said we should “stop and smell the roses” along the path of life.  This year our “spring” was most wonderful in watching the budding of the trees, bushes, flowers we planted last fall come into bloom, and one thing I especially enjoyed was watching the birds in our very own bird sanctuary!

Just today, while “relaxing” in our screened porch with my second cup of coffee and reading our most recent edition of the Pentecostal Evangel, my heart was overwhelmed while reading experiences recounted by Bro. Ralph Harris.   Miracles happen when people yield their lives to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to have complete way. 

I believe we as people need to be continually open and aware of what is happening around us.  As I am making preparations for my trip back to Alaska and trying to be obedient to the Holy Spirit in what I should preach and teach, I do understand that I am “nothing” without the Holy Spirit’s leading, directing and anointing. 

During my time away from Marge, we will spend our 53^rd wedding anniversary apart and I will miss her I know, but also am very anxious to see friends of years gone by who are still faithfully ministering in that great State.  Simply being open and obedient, I believe what the writer of the Gospel of John wrote, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.  Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."  John 14:26-27 NASB

So, it does pay to “smell the roses” or “watch the birds” or just relax with that second cup of coffee!  It’ll take just a minute ‘cause I know the Lord’s is in it!  Amen?  Written Pentecost Sunday, 15-May-05

Accidents don't just happen!  There generally is “causation” somewhere along the line by someone or something!

With winter past and me finding a way to relieve some of the boredom of just sitting at home watching Dr. Phil or Oprah, I went back to work at Seaton Van Lines.  In doing so, it has been not only a challenge for me but for those who are trying to “teach” me new things on the computer.  My forgetter seems to be getting better because I have trouble remembering some of the processes in entering data for the job I was doing.  Was it all just an exercise of futility or was it helpful to both me and my fellow employees?  Well, they seem to be looking forward to my return in the fall, so I think it worked out OK!

Back to accidents: not long ago, just after I'd left Seaton’s warehouse on a very busy 151^st street, I looked at an overpass and in the eastbound lane were 5 vehicles that looked like dominoes that had been standing on end then pushed over…this caused people to slow down and “look” (I believe I remember it being called “rubber necking”).  That one happened because someone “stopped too quick and others didn’t!”  My boss... my brother-in-law and long-time friend... experienced something like this just recently, stiff and sore, but otherwise OK. J 

Why have I brought this up?  I believe we all need to be aware of what can happen so unexpectedly.  Jesus talked about His soon return and it taking place as a “…thief in the night.”  Look at His words “…But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.  For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” Matthew 24:43.  24May05

In just a few days I will be leaving for points north!  Namely, Alaska !  There may be those who are wondering “why” I feel the need or the urgency of returning to this part of the U.S. of A.  All I can say is “…I just wish I would have been called to this part of the world many years ago because there are villages there that need someone to come and share the gospel with them.”  Please see www.spaciousskies.me/howard/Alaska/pastors/

Alaska has been the land of neglect by many who live in the lower 48, as it is called by those who live in the far north.   There are villages there that have no evangelical testimony (or a pastor in residence) but faithful men and women who know the Lord as their personal Savior are doing their best the keep their churches open.

It seems the Lord has given me a passion and a desire to be “available” to Him to go where He needs me. This summer (2005) it will be for 2 weeks in Kotzebue with Jim and Nancy Mercer.  These dear folks have been there going on 6 years now, and have opened their door to me (of course I invited myself).  I’ll be sharing with the Inupiat people who live north of the Arctic Circle .  Following this I will be ministering at Crossroads Assembly in Anchorage for 5 weeks while Jim and Linda Schulz will be directing Camp AN located along the Yukon River . 

Then, I’ll be in Emmonak at Yukon Delta Assembly of God, where Bob and Carolyn Wheeler have been for over 5 years.  These folks feel the need to be with their family, including some of their little “great grand ones” they have never met.  I don’t believe I’ll be painting the church this time, as I did in 1998.  It will be an opportunity to minister in both Kotlik and Alakanuk and possibly Sheldon’s Point.  Excited? You bet! I am eager to see what God is going to do through me as I yield to Him.

"Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalm 37:4-5 NASB  20-May-05

Recently, Marge and I stopped and “overnighted” at her brother and his wife’s home in Kingfisher, OK.  They were so kind as to let us “hang out” when we were going and returning when we traveled to be with our son and his family in Alpine, TX . 

Leon told us there are two words that are no longer in his vocabulary: “elderly” and “retirement,” as he has taken on a job after being retired a short time.  He said he plans on working until he is 75!  I thought to myself “…big deal!  I just turned 74, which makes 75 so much closer.  And…I too decided it was time to “go back to work” and was hired by Seaton Van Lines in Olathe to join their “support” team in building more business.  This has become a challenge because I know many of their long-time employees who are trying to teach this “ole” dog new tricks, such as: learning new things to do with the computer and on the computer…I guess we are making some progress. 

I must admit some of my getupandgo, hasgotupandwent but it is great to be working with the people there!  Some of you know that while I was working in Great Bend , Kansas and my boss needed someone to manage his office in Hutchinson , Kansas and I recommended my bother-in-law, Carl Seaton.  Carl worked for him long enough to know he wanted to get into the moving business himself and he has been for almost 45 years.  He is a dear friend of long standing, who loves the Lord and always eager to help wherever needed.  So, out of my retirement to work 3 days a week, with the probability of returning this fall when my trip to Alaska is completed in late September. 

Jesus has told us to “occupy until I come” (Luke 19:13).  Another thought along this line is “…whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might!” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) 20-May-05

Many of you have been following and watching “ American Idol” contestants, who have been challenging each other over the past couple of months trying to persuade America’s viewers to vote for them.  Each of these people has worked hard to get where they are and in a few weeks, one will be named America’s Idol!

Many children can name their idols.  Such as: Mickey Mouse; Spiderman; Superman (for the older readers); Michael Jordan; along with those who have become fallen idols.  Success is something that many who have achieved their “fame and fortune” cannot manage the popularity and “it” all becomes folly because they were not prepared for what comes with it. 

And…I often wonder, what our reaction would be IF we suddenly were awarded millions of dollars? I KNOW many are willing to say “…I could give away millions to help the less fortunate” or I could give lots of money to my church or I could give my children things they did not have growing up.  In my opinion, that would be or is the biggest mistake people make when they make such claims.

Here’s some advice from my many years of pastoring experience.  God expects us to be faithful with what we have, not with what we wish we had.  We must be faithful in what we may have and should He bless us with multiplied financial blessings, we’ll be faithful with that as well with no hesitation.

Back to the thought of “idols.”  In the Book of Hebrews we are told to “look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” (Hebrew 12:1-2)  When we do this, we’ll not be tempted to seek out someone else to look up to!

“…Look to the Lamb of God, for He alone is able to save you, look to the Lamb of God!” (Words of an old hymn)    13-May-05

Ready

The motto for Royal Rangers is “Ready”!  With this in mind I want to share some thoughts on this idea of preparing for a trip, a wedding, a campout, a fishing or hunting  trip, and getting “ready” for church on any given Sunday morning.

I remember that as a small boy my folks would help us get “ready” for Sunday School on Saturday night, which included a Saturday night bath (weekly, whether we needed it or not).  Our shoes would be polished with the ol’ fashioned shoe polish, no shining needed. 

Early in April, Marge and I started making plans to head to Alpine, Texas to be involved with our grandson, Branin, in his graduation from high school.  One of our stops on the way was to see my oldest sister, Eva, who was a resident at a care facility in Lyons, Kansas.  We were all ready to visit for a little while - but those plans were changed when my Sis received her heavenly promotion.  This unexpected event came as a surprise and as a shock because we were not ready for it to happen when it did.  So our planned visit became a funeral visit.

So, what does it take to be “ready” when death comes to each of us - and be assured it will, perhaps unexpectedly!  A) Know your sins are forgiven (I John 1:9)  B) Invite Jesus into your life. (Revelation. 3:20)  C) Apply faith by confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior. (Romans 10:9-10).

Remember, there is no way Marge and I and our families could have known when Eva Battershell would depart this life to start living her “new life” in a much better place. But Jesus said so!  “…In MY Father’s house are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am there ye maybe also!”  (Read more about it in John 14:1-6)

…Are you actively living to be ready to go…?
…when He calls?    7-May-05

Read about Miss Harriet Brown, Legendary Alaskan Missionary

The Power of One Voice: the inspiring story about why Alaska celebrates "Elizabeth Peratrovich Day" on February 16 each year.

Read a great story about our Sunday School Teacher in
Moments with Ruby and Laurie. 

Our January 2005 Newsletter is on-line.  Click here.

Read about Howard's summer plans at www.spaciousskies.me/HomeMissions.html 

I am thinking about the idea of voting is because I’m writing this just before the Spring voting day.  There are many elections around the country that people should be involved in.  In Kansas City , Kansas the election concerned a new mayor among the many other elected positions in the city and in the county.  Marge and I will vote!

People find it rather easy to criticize when things go wrong, the people they do not approve of are elected, taxes raised, and they did not even vote!  In my opinion they don’t have the “right” to criticize the output IF they did not work on the input. 

In the Bible we can easily find those who decided on casting the single vote.  Abraham on the sacrificing of his only son (Genesis 22:9-10).  Noah in crafting the original vessel for escape (Genesis 6:14-22). There is Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:16), David and the Giant (I Samuel 17:50).  Stephen, the church’s first martyr. (Acts 7:59) are just a few that can be mentioned.  However, the greatest vote came when Jesus chose to suffer and die for our sins.  He voted and we got the benefit of that vote. (I Corinthians 1:17-18)

The Bible does not require that we be Republican or Democrat or even Independent to become a believer, BUT we do have to make a decision to follow Him.  Remember when Jesus called for followers, several of them began to make excuses as to why they couldn’t immediately leave what they were doing obey Him.  In doing so, they were casting their vote.

Jesus said it, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”  Matthew 16:24 NASB      

It is up to YOU to cast the deciding vote. 
Vote before it is too late! 31mar05

What a beautiful time of the year…the miracle of Spring!  Winter is shaking off the gloominess and deadness of what appeared to have “died” last fall.  However, the seeds of life were still waiting to “spring” forth at the right moment on God’s timeline. 

Last fall, Janet and I did a little gardening and getting ready to plant flower bulbs that were to grow and bloom only IF we planted them.  As a result, we do have some daffodils blooming and the tulips are soon to follow.  If all goes as designed they will die and then bloom again next year; the difference will be that there should be more bulbs and flowers because they multiply.

We’re enjoying driving around the area, especially where people have garden space they are preparing for a garden of all kinds of veggies, strawberry beds cleaned out, well -  all the work that goes into gardening.  My Mom and Dad were very good at this.  However, in the fall he would have the garden plot plowed up for the winter and then prepared as soon as the freezing weather was over.  Dad watched the calendar for the right day to plant potatoes, set out onions, plant lettuce, as well as anything else he and Mom wanted to plant and care for.

Now let me talk about how our lives parallel with this idea of producing fruit.  Jesus explained it well when He was talking about the process of bearing fruit.  Read on…

“Truly, truly, I say to you, UNLESS a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.  He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”  John 12:24-26 NASB

I don’t know who penned these words but they hold a lot of truth…

“…TO GROW, YOU MUST STAY PLANTED!”   03-31-05

There is an old hymn that contains these words “…rolled away, rolled away, I remember when my burdens rolled away, I had carried them for years night day.  Rolled away, rolled away, I remember, when my burdens rolled away.”  This is a song from my childhood memories of attending the Church of the Nazarene in Lyons, Kansas!

What a wonderful message the visitors heard when approaching the tomb where they had buried Jesus, just days before.  Read about it in Mark 16:1-7 where we find the description of what had taken place.  The angel (young man) spoke to them and gave them this message.  “…Do not be amazed: you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified.  He has risen; He is not here; behold here is the place where they laid Him. …Go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He said to you.” (NASB)

In my comments immediately below, I talked about stones in your life that need to be “rolled away.”  These early morning visitors knew the stone was too big for them to move and asked that question, “…Who will roll the stone away?”  My friends, let me assure you that you cannot roll the stones of sin away from your heart, only Jesus can do that. 

We too must be like these women, who were instructed to “…go and tell” our world the message of the empty tomb.  Not to worship at the shrines of Easter egg hunts, or parades, or fancy new clothes, but “…come see the place where they laid Him.  He is not there but He has risen, just as He said.” (Howard’s paraphrase)

We sing “Because He Lives” we can face tomorrow;  “He Lives” and “He Arose” - all songs of triumph!  Songs of victory!  You CAN sing these songs this Easter IF you truly know Him as the Resurrected Lord!

Do you KNOW Him…our soon coming King?”  15-Mar-05

Pre-Easter activities are taking place across our nation and in many local churches…such as church choirs are preparing for their annual Easter Cantata, which requires many hours of rehearsal; workers in the children’s department in many churches are preparing for their annual Easter egg hunt.  Then for some there is the dressing up for the annual Easter parade.  So the commercial industry has been working for many months to supply the appropriate merchandise for customers eager to spend their money on their new Easter “outfits.” 

Recently I concluded reading the Gospel according to Mark.  In the final chapters we find Jesus trying to prepare His disciples for what was ahead. 

• The plotting of the chief priests and the scribes. 

• He led them through the Last Supper experience. 

• The happenings in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

• His arrest following the Betrayal of Judas. 

• And…Jesus before His accusers. 

• The infamous denials of not only Peter but others, and the crowing of the rooster.

I have often wondered what my reaction would have been had I been in the situation Jesus’ disciples found themselves in.  What would have been or not been my involvement? Ponder THAT question for a moment and let the impact set in a little.

You see, each of us has an imagination.  And…we can only imagine, as the songwriter penned it.  We can ONLY imagine!  Because when we read the rest of the chapters in Mark (15 & 16), we discover the rest of the story, which is now History!

Only Jesus can satisfy your soul;
only He can make you whole!
[from an old song]

Well, it's getting to be that time of the year when we render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s…what in our day and age we call “Income Tax Time”!  [To quote a good friend, "Grrrrr!"]

There are those who need additional help in preparing their tax returns to be sure Uncle Sam gets his share, and possibly get a return of some they paid in.  For many years I did ours and my wife got tired of me struggling over the figures and decided that she'd take on that task.  I did not argue with her!  Nowadays she uses the computer, which is 'way over my head!  (big honest grin!)

As believers, and desiring to be faithful in what the Lord has allowed us to possess and take care of, we give tithes to the Lord (through our home church) and also give our offerings to help minister in other areas of His work.  For over 40 years we have enjoyed being able to support some of our missionary friends, and we'll do so as long as the Lord enables us. These dear friends are still blessing those they minister to.  Just recently I attended the funeral of Jeanne Dean who, along with her husband Curtis, ministered in places Marge and I have never been able to go to - but through supporting them, we had a part in their ministry.

You see, we not only owe our tithe to the Lord, but we owe our time to Him as well.  This is one of the reasons I believe He has opened the door for me to return to minister this next summer in Alaska.  I want to give Him opportunity to work through me as He desires. 

Jesus said “…If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.  By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”  John 15:7-8 NASB   

Why should we worry about tomorrow, when tomorrow will take care of itself? “…But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of  its own.” Matthew 6:33-34 NASB

28-Feb-05

Oftentimes rewards come much later than we think they should.  By this I mean, there are people who work within the church and feel their time has been wasted.  Why? Because it appears the children, or the kids or the youth are not listening to what is being taught.

At Northland Cathedral there are young couples with children of their own and these “kids” from children’s church, Royal Rangers, and Missionettes are now leaders within the church.  There were times, while I was serving as Children’s Pastor, that I was sure these kids were either not listening or not interested in what was being said.  It has taken almost 25 years for us "mature" folks to see the fruit of  those youngsters.

Recently my wife and I, along with LC and Martha Bates,  attended New Hope Assembly of God Church in Leavenworth, Kansas where one of our “kids” is now pastoring and has led the congregation in building a new church.  He ministers to well over 200 in their services.  Pastor Darold Bunce, his wife Richa Lee, and their twin sons are all ministering; Matt is Youth Pastor and Mike plays guitar in the worship team. What a blessing to see the “fruit” of a Sunday School bus driver and his wife who picked up this boy and his two sisters every week for Sunday School and Church 30 years ago and I was able to minister to them as their pastor!  Wow! 

Jesus said "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NASB)

02/19/05

Well, it’s about the time for us guys to sing to our lovely brides…”let me call you sweetheart…”  or “…I love you truly, truly dear.”   Buy the Valentine card that has all of the gushy stuff inside to make your loved one know you didn’t forget. {Note from Marge: us gals should give our "honeys" a special hug on Valentine's Day!}

Much of what the world calls “love” is simply “lust” and the majority of people don’t really know what love is all about because they have seen so little of it.  However, there are those who make the 50 year mark and still others more.  My sis and her husband had 64 years together and occasionally we read of a couple making 75 years.  Wow!  My “bride” and I will log number 53 in June of this year and it doesn’t really seem possible.

When we want to turn to a love chapter in the Bible we generally turn to I Corinthians 13:1-7 “…If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails;”  Boy, these verses let us know just where the cow eats the cabbage, huh? (Just an ole’ Arkansas saying)

One songwriter penned the words “…have I told you lately that I love you…” and these 3 words should be a part of your daily conversation with the companion the Lord has given you.  When the disaster hit Southern Asia in December, think of the thousands of people who lost their lives and never got to tell their loved one of their love for them.  Please don’t take these words to mean you are to expect the next time you tell your loved one you love them will be your last - but for some it has been.

Oh, love that will not let me go…is Jesus’ love for me! 07-Feb-05

Remember When?

It seems we are getting a lot of e-mails relating to “getting older” or “remember when?” or “if you are old enough to remember…” Must be that all of our friends are experiencing much of the same! 0

Ya remember when the steel bands from wooden wheels served as part of the “hoop and stick” game, one in which you would chase the hoop (wheel) with a stick with a cross member at the bottom to form a “T”?  Or you take a piece of 2X4 and put old skate wheels on it and make a scooter?  What about seeing how far you could walk on a railroad track without falling off?  The telephone system had an operator on the other end asking “…number please?” If you listened closely you could hear other phones being lifted and those on the “party line” would listen in on your conversation.  Or even the “4 rooms and a path”?

Those are just a few of the things I vividly recall.  I know the Bible tells us to “Forget the things behind and press forward….” This is what Paul the Apostle wrote  ”Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;  however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. (Philippians.3:13-16 NASB)

I believe one of the benefits of “looking back” is to learn from our past mistakes and make them into steppingstones and not let them become stumbling blocks.  I still enjoy thinking back…like my ole manual typewriter I used while in the Navy and working in the Chaplain's Office, and the carbon paper and the strips of correction tape to correct my errors.  Folks, “those were the days” -- and I do not believe any of us really want to go back to them. 

One more thing…remember  the old hymns and the old choruses we used to sing?  Before overhead projectors and “singing off the wall?”  This should get you to thinking!

Reaching forward keeps you looking forward!  31-Jan-05  Source: www.spaciousskies.me/howard/

Living Clay

Hopefully everyone had a delightful Christmas time preparing for your family activities, church programs, and maybe going to see some beautiful displays on homes and businesses.   Marge and I drove the wonderful Christmas Lane near Longview Farm in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  We went just after dark and beat the long line of sightseers! 0

At our house, Janet and I put up a bare minimum, including the “fake” tree.  It didn’t smell like, feel like or shed like the real ones.  On Christmas Eve, our family met at Andy and Kari Davis’s home in Gardner, Kansas.  After our meal and assembling in their living room, our Kari leading us during this gift exchanging was a joy.  Just watching our little great-grandchildren and their parents was a pleasure for Marge and me.  It won’t be many years until these little ones are grown.  My goal is to stay around long enough to see it happen.

Which leads me to share a poem that I have carried around for many years - I almost have it memorized.

If you will take time and read the account of the Potter and the clay found in Jeremiah 18:1-6, you’ll discover we are all as clay! 25-Jan-05

Be Alert!

“Oh, what a beautiful morning, oh, what a beautiful day; I’ve got a wonderful feeling, everything’s going my way.”  These are words to a song that has been around for a long time and I am sure that on that early Sunday morning, the skies were clear, the water beautiful, people enjoying their holidays in a land where many people go to vacation…portions of southern Asia.

In a matter of seconds the above scenario, changed because the largest earthquake in modern times had taken place at sea and caused the oceans to change from a peaceful, gentle scene to one of disaster, when a tsunami struck and caught all residents and visitors unaware and unprepared for what was to happen.

For those islands and countries in the path of such danger and destruction, it will take years to rebuild and recoup, so to speak.  I know there were many believers who were ushered into the presence of the Lord in those moments, which leads me to encourage all who may read these words, God tells us in His Word to be “ready,” to be on the “alert” or “on guard” for we do not know the hour the “thief” will strike, in this case the tsunami!

Folks, Jesus is coming back and it will be in the twinkling of an eye! “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”  I Corinthians 15:21-22 (NASB) For this to happen to each of us, the change will not take place until we make a choice and that choice  is to repent, believe in our hearts and confess that Jesus is Lord in our lives.  My friend, have you done this?

When we watch the news concerning the world-wide efforts to provide the bare necessities for the survivors, I don’t know about you, but my heart aches for these dear people, especially the children.  I just wish I had the health and the funding and ability to travel to any one of these counties to offer any help that I might give. 

I know Marge will think, Howard would bring home some of those orphaned children.  I don’t think so, dear! 01/17/05

How do you handle crisis situations? 

When things seem to come tumbling down or are going wrong and you are not sure what to do….  I believe we should react to these emergencies with a confidence that God is in control and He will watch over us, caring for us as needed.  However, I know there are times when things happen so fast we do not really have time to even think of what to do next.

As I was writing these comments, the massive earthquake (9.0) and tsunamis that struck the southern coast of Asia, with thousands of people losing their lives, created major problems for that part of the world.  From the news accounts I’ve read, there was little time to do anything, maybe 20 minutes warning about the tsunamis, but none for the earthquake.  We would do what those who survived are doing, the best they can with what they have.

The reason I am sharing this is to make us aware that our lives are but a fleeting moment in time.  In James 4:14-15 we read of the uncertainty of life. “…Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.  You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.  Instead, you ought to say ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.’”  (NASB)   

Over the past 3 years we in the USA have lived in a state of alertness about the threat of terrorism after 9/11.  On that date our lives as we had known them changed, I believe forever.  But, my friends, we are not to live in a state of panic, fear, and anxiety.  We are to cast our every care and concern upon Him because He does care for us.  (I Peter 5:7)

The song writer Ira Stanphill penned it well when “I Don’t Know About Tomorrow” was written.  There is one thing we know for sure…we know who holds tomorrow!

Keep looking forward.  It does no good to look backward!  Posted 01/17/05

Time to reflect!  

I believe most of us have taken a few moments (for some it may be more time) to think back on the year that just closed. 

Janet and I were out a few days ago and had some time to talk about all that took place in 2004.  It was just a year ago that we were celebrating Christmas with our family in Alpine, Texas.  All of our children, their children, and their children were there and we had a wonderful time together.  There is absolutely nothing that will take the place of “family.” 

Somehow I believe God has intended from the beginning that families should be together, but in our society, time and distance really mean nothing.  In our case, Grandpa and Grandma Marshall were the ones who had made the move away from everyone, but at that time we were in the planning stages of retiring and returning to Kansas. 

The General Council of the Assemblies of God had the theme of “…the Time Has Come” for 2004 and it coincided with our making plans to retire and bring to a close the ministry the Lord had led us into back in l999, when I became pastor of Prince of Peace Assembly of God in Klawock, Alaska.  It was 5 years later that we made our move, leaving POW Island May 3^rd for the drive “home.”  It was very difficult to leave our friends there, but necessary.

What about 2005? Should the Lord tarry His return, we will live a day at a time and we are to do our best in whatever we endeavor to do.  Currently my plans are to leave for Alaska May 26^th and return Sept. 17^th,  during which time I will be in Kotzebue for 2 weeks, in Anchorage 6 weeks and on the Yukon Delta in Emmonak 2 months, ministering in the churches there.  Marge? She’ll spend time with family! 5-Jan-05

“…Anywhere Lord, I’ll follow!”