Randy's Personal Website

The Past Few Days

Tuesday May 21, 2019

I picked Twila up at 7:15 am and we drove down to the Big Cow to vote. After I took her back home, I dropped the vehicle off at Seidles to get inspected and serviced. After lunch I headed to C-L to watch Hannah and Brody compete in the elementary track meet. They both did real well. Hannah did shot put and three running events. Brody ran the 400 and blew away all other runners. He is incredibly fast. In the evening, I was Stan Sowl’s guest at the Gideons’ banquet at the Ramada Inn. Lauren Snyder sang three songs, all which were outstanding.

Monday May 20, 2019

After I dropped Jim off for his Monday bloodwork, I went up to the second floor to see Twila. She thought she would get home later in the day. She did. She got back home early in the afternoon.

Sunday May 19, 2019

Twila apparently had a TIA (what some call a mini-stroke) after church. Dr. Tim and Becky took her to the ER. She was basically fine by the time she arrived there but they are keeping her for 24-hour observation.

I stayed up and watched the finale of American Idol. Laine Hardy won. I liked the other two better.

Saturday May 18, 2019

Andrea Miller called in the morning to tell me that her dad, Harlan Samuelson, passed away peacefully in the middle of the night. This Monday would have been his and Hazel's 75th anniversary.

Friday May 17, 2019

In the afternoon, I went up to the funeral home for Henry Beers’ viewing. I picked up Gary and Karen and we went over to Sweet Basils for fish. Of course I got the shrimp bisque. Afterward that I headed to the Little League to watch Brody’s game. I ran into Don Ion there and we caught up as we watched the game.

Thursday May 16, 2019

I met Keith Richardson at Eat n Park for dinner. We had dinner and caught up. He is staying with Annie for a week or so.

1 year ago today

In the morning, I took communion to Harlan and Hazel Samuelson. They were both doing very well. Harlan is 97 and Hazel is 95. This past Sunday, they celebrated their 74th anniversary.

5 years ago today

I saw some big improvements for Sherri. I left the house at 8 am and spent the next 13 hours between the church and Golden Living. When I stopped in at 8:30 pm to see Sherri on the way home, she said she wanted white rice. I asked if she meant for dinner tomorrow and she said, no, for right now. So, I found the Chinese restaurant open and got her rice for her bedtime snack. I can tell she is getting better because she mentioned baked beans and a hotdog at least 5 times today.

Lue sent me an email saying that Tari had to put Kane (her dog) down today. He was 16 years old. Today, Bucco turned one year old. Jared told me that Brody and Bucco have become very close.

10 Years Ago Today

Sherri was in a lot of pain and wondering whether she has pneumonia or pleurisy. She had her mom drop her off at the ER and they admitted her. She is getting breathing treatment, steroids, and pain medicine.

Sherri was suppose to baby-sit Hannah so Missy got Dude and Linda to keep her while they went out with friends in the evening. It seems Hannah would only cooperate if they walked her. So, they were seen all over Clarion, logging lots and lots of miles.

Today's Devotion

God’s Manner of Forgiveness

Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. 2 Samuel 12:10

What is required for God to forgive sin? Repentance. But even repentance does not ensure the removal of the consequences of sin. The consequences often remain as a reminder of the terrible, destructive nature of sin.

David was forgiven for his grievous sins of lust, adultery, robbery, and murder. God forgave him absolutely and removed his sin from him completely (Ps. 103:12). God did not, however, remove the pain that David would endure as a result of his transgressions. The child born of David’s adultery died (2 Sam. 12:14). David’s son Amnon raped David’s daughter Tamar (2 Sam. 13:14). David’s son Absalom murdered Amnon (2 Sam. 13:28-29). Absalom brought the kingdom into rebellion (2 Sam. 15). For the rest of David’s reign, violence filled his home and his kingdom. Although David knew he was forgiven, he bore the painful consequences of his sin for the rest of his life.

It is presumptuous to assume that God removes every consequence the moment you repent of your sin. Do not think that the instant you show remorse God will restore everything as it was. He may not. Some sins, such as adultery, come from a flawed character. God forgives sin immediately upon repentance, but it takes longer to build character. It is character, not forgiveness, that determines what God brings next to your life.

Because we know the devastating consequences of our disobedience, let us diligently avoid every sin and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1b).

Memorial Day Picnic (2 days before Memorial Day)

SATURDAY MAY 25 AT 12:30

The site is to be determined but it will either be Clear Creek, Cook Forest, or Frank & Lue's. Check back to this site in a couple of days.

12:30p - whenever (somewhere near where you can drive through the creek)

Who's Invited

Anyone who is related to me, is a friend of mine, or knows someone who knows me OR anyone else who has a covered dish or a dessert. Bring your own drinks and burgers if you want them. I will supply the hotdogs and buns. It would be nice to know by the 23rd if you are coming so I know how many dogs to bring.

Who is bringing what?

Gary and Karen are bringing deviled eggs, chips and a dessert. Lue is bringing baked beans and baked macaroni. Fran is bringing a peanut butter cake. I am bringing potato salad, grill and charcoal, buns and dogs.