It’s fall! I saw my first “v-line” of geese heading south yesterday morning on my way to work. They seemed so happy and uninterested in the troubles we humans view as important. There they were, just sailing along in the sky, knowing exactly where they are going and exactly how to get there! (I suppose they have “GPS”!)
Allen and I sit out on our front porch early mornings with a hot cup of coffee and watch the squirrels zing up and around the trees and flick their fluffy tails and chatter. The walnuts from the trees across the street are falling with every breeze and the squirrels make good use of those fallen nuts—packing them in their nests for use during the coming winter. The air is crisp and fresh here in Missouri—unlike in the western parts of the country with the terrible fires. I pray for God’s mercy for the people whose homes and property are being destroyed. The devastation is so sad. All of their “things” are gone, but I pray they know that they can still have that hope that our Savior supplies, for the salvation of their souls. I have read much in Isaiah and some in Revelation about the “End Times”—the plagues, the vials, the fear, the wars—the PROMISES, the hope, the shelter—ZION. Our God is watching and aware. He is not sleeping or unconcerned, but is as close as a sincere prayer and a repentant heart. He is able to lift any one of us up from our sadness and desolation and fill us with His love and a joy unspeakable. I am so grateful for the blessings our Father in Heaven has bestowed upon each of us. He has been most kind.
Today is the first day of October (2020). I’m at work with some extra time on my hands so wanted to visit with my brothers and sisters for a few minutes. I think of those whom I know and treasure their friendship, but also, I think of and pray for as well those I don’t know or who I have only heard of in different countries and wonder of the blessings they receive and the trials they face. We are all God’s people and stand in need of His blessings and protection from the temptations of the Devil—and sometimes just our own choices. I have read through my notes that I take during church services and feel as if I have been with you again. God is able to reach us and touch us with His spirit, but I’m thinking that we each have to invite Him in or He will wait outside our hearts for a time, but we mustn’t make Him wait too long. The scriptures say that His spirit will not always strive with mankind, so I consider that a type of warning. Remember the Ten Virgins.
In July Aaron, Niki, Ethan and Riley Herd came to visit. Aaron had to leave earlier than Niki and the boys, but we enjoyed their visit so much!
We had a “family night” at the church during the latter part of July. We all brought food and enjoyed time together—nothing planned, just time together! It was so nice.
Our brother, Don Burnett and his mom came to church in August seeking a blessing as he has cancer. His hope is in the healing power of Jesus Christ, so asked for administration.
Also present that same Sunday was brother Gary Kelly and sister Patty Brown. It was such a pleasure to see them and get to know their joy. The Spirit of God seemed so close that day and I was so pleased to be there to partake of that sweet, sweet spirit.
We have had a “work day” at the church to do some cleaning—window and siding washing, etc. Paul & Sharon Liekness, Dale & Shawna Herd, Rusty Anderson, Marjory Routh, Allen and Czerna Kauffman, Larry and Jewell Beem were all there to give it their best! Larry was our “job foreman”! We are getting ready for the rally coming up the third Sunday of this month. Of course, when you receive this newsletter it will be long past, but we hope to be ready and grateful to gather together.
A couple weeks ago, our sister, Marjory Routh took a fall out of a tree. I suppose that sounds kind of funny or even cartoon like, but she bore testimony that had she fallen a different direction she could have been hurt way worse. As it was, she hurt her wrist pretty bad and her right side. She was after some sort of vine that was entangled in her tree. Marjory lives alone, but her sons, Jimmy and Gary and grandson, Jamie, help her around the farm. However, when she needs to do something—she does it! I think I admire her quite a bit! Nonetheless, we are admonished to pray for one another—see why? We all are in need in one way or another.
October 10th, 2020 was the wedding day for Sadi and Curtis Geier in Independence, Mo—followed by their reception where everyone gathered to share in their happiness. Curtis’ dad, Jon Geier had a heart attack there and with all that could be done he was not fully revived and passed from this life to a place of peace and rest. Brother Jon’s funeral celebration was set for the following Saturday, October 17th, however, the day preceding the funeral (October 16th) our brother from this local, Paul Liekness, passed away early that morning. Paul was Jon’s stepfather and loved him a great deal. Paul’s wife, Sharon did all she could for Paul until paramedics came. But again, it was the will of our Savior to take him to rest in the Paradise of God
Sister Sharon and daughter-in-law, Sister Carrie Geier, are so courageous and have put their faith and trust in God. We may not understand the “whys,” but we believe God has his own plan. Please continue to pray for this family as they carry on in this life
I have a few sermon quotes I’d like to share:
- WE CHOOSE HOW WE DEAL WITH THINGS.
- DECISSIONS MADE THROUGH FEAR ARE ALWAYS WRONG.
- WE MUST LABOR TO PRESERVE OUR PEACE.
- HARD WORK COMES BEFORE THE HARVEST.
- DO WE NEED TO REPENT OF THE WAY WE SPEND OUR TIME?
- FAITH IS BELIEVING GOD IS ABLE—TRUST IS LETTING HIM DO IT!
- IF WE’RE NOT CAREFUL, WE CAN BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO SIN—OBLIVIOUS TO IT.
- IT IS HUMAN NATURE TO SIN—IT IS GOD’S NATURE TO FORGIVE.
- ARE YOU WILLING TO TAKE UPON YOU THE “REPUTATION” OF CHRIST?
- DON’T LET IT BE YOU THAT IS MURMURING.
- DON’T DO THINGS YOU PERCEIVE AS BEING ON THE “EDGE”.
- PHYSICAL SURVIVING IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS SPIRITUAL SURVIVING.
I thank you kindly for your time. May our righteous Heavenly Father bless us in the days we live in.
