Our First Major Snowfall

As I've said on my Facebook account, I think the meteorologists in this area major on sensationalism. I've long since learned to take what they predict with a grain of salt. So I don't suppose anyone was more surprised than I when the first measurable snowfall of the season started falling last night. I estimate that we got between 4-6 inches at my home, but within this area, I've heard some people got 16 inches. Help! The biggest problem with snowfalls such as these is my inability to walk in the snow. While I'm not a fan of driving in it, that is much easier for me than trying to stay on my feet. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day, so pray with me that the parking lot will be cleared.

In the midst of this snowfall, one of my guardian angels came over and shoveled my driveway and sidewalk. I don't know who did it, but I'm grateful for him or her. I usually do not even hear him or her doing it--I just look out and see it has been done. Bless that person!

I've been on vacation yesterday and today. I intended to spend the days vacationing in my home, relaxing and reading. But the Lord had other ideas for me. Before I was even out of bed yesterday morning, I got a call asking me to do a freelance proofreading job. Since I try not to turn those down unless I'm facing a crisis, I quickly got myself together and picked up the job. It's a Bible with 1573 pages including helps, and I'm just over half way through it. I would have made more progress except for the migraine headache with which I awakened this morning. I have no idea why I had the headache. About half of the time, I can go back and trace probable reasons, but this one seems to have no logical reason.Well, it's now time to get back to the proofreading.

Blessings on You at Thanksgiving

I trust you're all enjoying this Thanksgiving holiday. May you enjoy the day with family and friends, and a grateful heart. I plan to spend the day with coworkers Glenn and Becky Kerr and their daughter and future son-in-law. I hear there will be lots of good food and some football on the agenda.

God has blessed us richly. The greatest of these blessings is the gift of His Son. I'm very grateful for that gift that literally changed my life. I trust you have also experienced this gift. If you've not yet done so, all you need to do is cry out to Him. He's always waiting to hear such a cry.

Piano and Organ Duet

Three ladies from my church and I went to an organ and piano concert last night in the Grand Rapids Public Museum (as opposed to the presidential museum just across the street that honors Grand Rapids' favorite son--former President Gerald R. Ford). The concert was very interesting. The couple putting on the concert, a husband and wife team, are Dale and Gail Zieger. (Are those their original names, or have they changed them so they have a better ring to them? I don't know.)

The organ is a huge, old Wurlitzer instrument with so many interesting sounds. My oldest niece, Susan, who often laments the languishing and approaching death of the organ, for lack of interest, would have been enthralled. What a musician Mr. Zieger is! I do not exaggerate when I say that he created sounds on the organ I didn't know it was possible to create with that instrument.

Gail arranged most of their music. She obviously plays both by note and by ear. They played a variety of music including semi-classical, patriotic, show tunes, musicals, hymns, and other genres. As one of the ladies mentioned when we were leaving, "That was the best ten dollars I ever spent. There was something there for everyone!" She's right.

Lest We Forget

I, like many of you, am thankful for those who have fought for our country. One of my uncles fought in the Battle of the Bulge. At least one of my older cousins also fought in WWII. I want to express my thanks for all those who have sacrificed so much for us. If any of my readers are veterans, please accept my thanks for your service.

Particularly, let's remember the chaplains who serve men and women who are under tremendous strain. My prayer is that these chaplains will have the opportunity to lead many of our military to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Autumn Leaves in Michigan

I wanted to share pictures I've taken recently in southwest Michigan.

Since God has made this fallen world such a beautiful place, I wonder what heaven will be like. The colors will be brighter, purer, and more vibrant, undoubtedly. And my hand won't be shaking when I look at those colors!

The first picture was taken at Lake Odessa. The others were taken in Holland, Michigan.

Praise the Lord!

I hope you'll rejoice with me at an answer to prayer that I received today. In my last prayer letter you may remember that I mentioned a God-sized problem. Well, He has taken care of it in a very positive way, and I can't fail to thank Him.

Near the end of April I had an outpatient surgical procedure. I had the procedure preapproved and jumped through all the appropriate hoops before the surgery. I was in the hospital less than five hours and later got a bill for $16,807 and some change. The insurance company subsequently sent an Explanation of Benefits saying they could not pay the bill without further documentation. I called the hospital billing department, telling them that and they promised they would send the appropriate documentation right away.

About three or four weeks ago I got a bill from the hospital saying my insurance company had not paid and that I would therefore be responsible for the entire amount. To say that I was concerned would be an understatement!

I called the man at Baptist Mid-Missions who administers our insurance program. He immediately contacted our insurance carrier, and then the waiting began. Today I got an email saying that on October 16 they paid the negotiated amount and that "the patient will owe zero on this account." Let me tell you, that was quite the birthday present. (Remember that October 16 is my birthday!)

Please join me in praising the Lord for what He has done. I am very grateful.

A Good Trip and a Big Event!

Thanks for praying with me about my trip to Ohio. It went well, without any hitches. It's the first time I've ever traveled with a walker, but I found people all along the way to be very helpful.

Although it's hard for a speaker to judge how a meeting went, at least I think it is, I believe the meetings went well. On Wednesday night I spoke to the adults and then to the children in AWANA.

Yesterday morning I spoke to the Senior Saints and had lunch with them before leaving.

From Van Wert, I left for Fort Wayne, Indiana, about 50 miles away. My oldest niece and her family live there. Since today was my birthday, I chose to spend part of it with part of my family. It's the first time I've been with a part of my family on my birthday in so long I can't even remember when last it occurred.

My niece and her girls fixed a rich, chocolate dessert and put a candle in the middle of it, so that was my birthday cake. Three of my great-nieces are surrounding me in the second picture. The are Caroline, Isabel, and Sophie.

Before I left the bedroom in which I'd slept, the two younger girls came bearing a gift bag for of goodies for me this morning.

The trip back was uneventful.

The big event is that I am now eligible for healthcare for which I've been paying the government for the past 40+ years! I've reached a milestone!