(Anchor Baptist Church, Amsterdam, Netherlands)
I didn’t fall asleep until after 1:00 a.m., partly because the soccer fans were doing their business. Ugh! Since I couldn’t sleep anyway, I did something constructive--I wrote a poem.
Pulling myself out of bed at 7:00, I got ready for church. Mom went downstairs to make tea, and Lydia and Josiah were still catching more shuteye.
As is habitual for Sunday mornings, I didn’t feel well. “Lord, You’re either going to have to pull me through this day or push me through, because I won’t make it unless I get some help.” That was my prayer this morning. As it turned out, the Lord didn’t pull or push. He just sorta carried me through. =)
Mom kindly made me toast and I ate a little yogurt. I tried to put on the Marshalls’ “Just for a Moment” CD, but our CD player has a mind of its own and only works when it wants to, which is usually when I need it to cooperate. “Okay, you stubborn CD player,” and told it, “I can still outsmart you!” So I put a tape on instead (“Under Their Father’s Hand”). =D
Faithful Mischa and Hugo had the chairs and everything set up when we arrived at the building. Dad and Josiah brought my piano in from the van, and I set that up. Then Mischa and I practiced for the song service. Everyone else was busy--Lydia with the nursery, Mom in the kitchen, Josiah with the sound system, and Dad and Hugo doing this and that.
Folks started arriving at that point. We had a full house, praise God! We also had several visitors, including Pauline again. I was glad she came back, because she was a little upset last week. Prayer works! =) There was a good spirit. I love our church. We have some downright special people.
Michael Gill motioned Dad over to his seat, while I played an offertory, and Steven took the collection. Michael Gill is moving to Canada permanently soon now, and he quietly requested that we sing “Victory in Jesus.” I always like it when people ask for a specific song they like--especially when I know how to play it. =) Despite the fact that I didn’t feel well at all, and I was tempted to ask to be excused from playing for the service, I did anyway; the Lord gave me grace. I thank Him!
The little kids were dismissed to go to nursery, and the preaching began. Dad preached a message called, “The Lies We Believe”--a continuation of the series he’s been doing on truth. Boy, it was a good one! I finally found a notepad lying unused in Josiah’s room, so I “stole” it and took notes today. I really need to keep a pen and paper with my Bible. I never have it when I need it. Also, I notice how much more I get out of the preaching when I write stuff down. The devil loves to snatch the seed of God’s Word from my mind as quick as he can. It always seems to work too. Well, not now!!! Ha, ha! You know, it sorta reminds me of the CD player this morning. =D Always try to outsmart the devil! Stubborn CD players make for good practice. If it won’t work one way, try it another. Just don’t quit!!!
Pauline, Shelby, Lydia, and I talked a little after the service. We were talking about the soccer games going on. Our neighbors make such a racket on Saturday nights with all their honking horns, shouting, screaming, and fireworks, that I literally pray Holland won’t win so I can get some sleep. We were sorta complaining about all the noise. How crazy it is that people think we Christians are fanatics for being concerned about the destiny of eternal souls, but they are the ones who act like lunatics about a ball being kicked into a net. Really now! Who do you think is the fanatic?
Today was awfully humid. I was glad to be able to get some water and a little fresh air before Dad started “The Way of the Master.” That soul winning series is so good. The only thing I hate is the music--it needs to get saved! After cleaning up we climbed into the van and headed home.
We ate apple pie upon getting home, since the noodle water always takes so long to boil and we were quite famished. I was glad I made the spaghetti sauce yesterday; it was nice to just sit and relax for a while. We had such a good talk over dinner. I love it when our family gets involved in spiritual discussions. It’s so important for families to talk, especially about such important things.
Well, Mom and Dad are taking a nap now, and I’m going to rest as well. My eye keep half closing on me, which means I must be tired. (yawn)
Enjoy the pictures and video. They are the ones I promised last week of the new church seating arrangement--an idea Dad got from Spurgeon’s writings. Lord bless!
I didn’t fall asleep until after 1:00 a.m., partly because the soccer fans were doing their business. Ugh! Since I couldn’t sleep anyway, I did something constructive--I wrote a poem.
Pulling myself out of bed at 7:00, I got ready for church. Mom went downstairs to make tea, and Lydia and Josiah were still catching more shuteye.
As is habitual for Sunday mornings, I didn’t feel well. “Lord, You’re either going to have to pull me through this day or push me through, because I won’t make it unless I get some help.” That was my prayer this morning. As it turned out, the Lord didn’t pull or push. He just sorta carried me through. =)
Mom kindly made me toast and I ate a little yogurt. I tried to put on the Marshalls’ “Just for a Moment” CD, but our CD player has a mind of its own and only works when it wants to, which is usually when I need it to cooperate. “Okay, you stubborn CD player,” and told it, “I can still outsmart you!” So I put a tape on instead (“Under Their Father’s Hand”). =D
Faithful Mischa and Hugo had the chairs and everything set up when we arrived at the building. Dad and Josiah brought my piano in from the van, and I set that up. Then Mischa and I practiced for the song service. Everyone else was busy--Lydia with the nursery, Mom in the kitchen, Josiah with the sound system, and Dad and Hugo doing this and that.
Folks started arriving at that point. We had a full house, praise God! We also had several visitors, including Pauline again. I was glad she came back, because she was a little upset last week. Prayer works! =) There was a good spirit. I love our church. We have some downright special people.
Michael Gill motioned Dad over to his seat, while I played an offertory, and Steven took the collection. Michael Gill is moving to Canada permanently soon now, and he quietly requested that we sing “Victory in Jesus.” I always like it when people ask for a specific song they like--especially when I know how to play it. =) Despite the fact that I didn’t feel well at all, and I was tempted to ask to be excused from playing for the service, I did anyway; the Lord gave me grace. I thank Him!
The little kids were dismissed to go to nursery, and the preaching began. Dad preached a message called, “The Lies We Believe”--a continuation of the series he’s been doing on truth. Boy, it was a good one! I finally found a notepad lying unused in Josiah’s room, so I “stole” it and took notes today. I really need to keep a pen and paper with my Bible. I never have it when I need it. Also, I notice how much more I get out of the preaching when I write stuff down. The devil loves to snatch the seed of God’s Word from my mind as quick as he can. It always seems to work too. Well, not now!!! Ha, ha! You know, it sorta reminds me of the CD player this morning. =D Always try to outsmart the devil! Stubborn CD players make for good practice. If it won’t work one way, try it another. Just don’t quit!!!
Pauline, Shelby, Lydia, and I talked a little after the service. We were talking about the soccer games going on. Our neighbors make such a racket on Saturday nights with all their honking horns, shouting, screaming, and fireworks, that I literally pray Holland won’t win so I can get some sleep. We were sorta complaining about all the noise. How crazy it is that people think we Christians are fanatics for being concerned about the destiny of eternal souls, but they are the ones who act like lunatics about a ball being kicked into a net. Really now! Who do you think is the fanatic?
Today was awfully humid. I was glad to be able to get some water and a little fresh air before Dad started “The Way of the Master.” That soul winning series is so good. The only thing I hate is the music--it needs to get saved! After cleaning up we climbed into the van and headed home.
We ate apple pie upon getting home, since the noodle water always takes so long to boil and we were quite famished. I was glad I made the spaghetti sauce yesterday; it was nice to just sit and relax for a while. We had such a good talk over dinner. I love it when our family gets involved in spiritual discussions. It’s so important for families to talk, especially about such important things.
Well, Mom and Dad are taking a nap now, and I’m going to rest as well. My eye keep half closing on me, which means I must be tired. (yawn)
Enjoy the pictures and video. They are the ones I promised last week of the new church seating arrangement--an idea Dad got from Spurgeon’s writings. Lord bless!
Here is the church.
And here are the people!
My handsome brother!
And my pretty sister Lydia holding Daniel, an adorable little stinker who never smiles for the camera but smiles lots any other time. He found that my new shoes were irresistibly white and decided to step on them. Why do little kids always do that to me?
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