I really like reading the book of Psalms. Often I have a tally sheet and mark off what I read, one or two chapters each day. No particular order.

Once again I am down to about two chapters of the 150 chapters, with chapter 119, as one of those two. Why do I leave that chapter as last. Because it has 176 verses. Not that I don't like those verses, I just wind up reading shorter ones first.

I really like Psalm 119, so remind me next time I choose to read Psalms, to pick it as one of the first ones I choose to read.

"Nothing is perfect except
Your Words."
~ Psalm 119:96 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "God's Word makes us wise---wiser than our enemies, wiser than any teachers who ignore it. True wisdom is not amassing knowledge, but applying knowledge in a life-changing way. Wisdom comes from allowing what God teaches to make a difference in our lives."

****

I send out a weekly email newsletter, The Clarion Wire, every week on Friday mornings, of things that are happening in our area.

Last Friday's included an hour meeting with Wright County's Economic Development Director Aaron Budweg, telling us about what is developing in our county. It said the meeting was to be held at Clarion's Senior Citizens Center at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Only one problem; it was the wrong day!

Where was the mistake made? I don't know. But I am taking the responsibility for it. For that I apologize.

A good thing:  day hadn't passed. It is set for this Thursday, August 27. Same time. Same place. Time to recover the error. But one problem:  I don't have another Clarion Wire newsletter coming out until Friday!

If anyone came the wrong time, they could return on Thursday. The senior citizens center organizers have time to tell others, people could come this Thursday.

And if any of you reading this note, have time or  interest:  Aaron Budweg at Clarion's Senior Citizens Center, 302 South Main in Clarion. On Thursday, August 27 - 1:30 p.m.

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans."

Even our mistakes!!

A week ago Sunday there was a Prayer and Praise time at our local park, praying for our Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Schools as we begin the school year.

On Monday, I included Part 1 from the prayer brochure. Focus was on elementary, middle, and high schools. 

Prayers offered could be for any school. Many schools in our area begin today.

Part 2 today focuses on school Leadership & Staff:

Superintendent, Principals, Deans, Board

Unity Vision: Build teamwork, heal disagreements, and grant wisdom from above (James 1:5, Colossians 1:9).

Rest & Renewal: Strengthen leaders in moments of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Help them set down work at day's end..

Teachers, Paras, Counselors, Nurses

Learning Environment:  Fill classrooms and offices with peace, resources, and room to heal and flourish.

Discernment & Endurance: Remind staff that nothing separates them from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).

 Coaches, Janitorial, Kitchen, Transportation

Facility & Travel Safety: Protect all vehicles, sports spaces, and equipment. Guard daily commutes.

Support & Health:  Grant physical, mental, and spiritual strength for every role behind the scenes.

CLOSING PRAYER:

"Lord, let your light fill every hall in CGD. Open eyes to your salvation and protect every family represented. In Jesus' name. Amen.

“This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
~ Psalm 118:24 LAB

 
Pretty familiar Bible verse.

I am continuing my reading of the book of Psalms. But here is a second look of the first verse of the same chapter:

 
“Oh, thank the Lord,
For He’s so good!
His lovingkindness is forever.”
~ Psalm 118:1 LAB

Want to know the last verse of that same chapter?
 

“Oh, thank the Lord,
For He’s so good!
His lovingkindness is forever.
~ Psalm 118:29 LAB

 
The introductory theme for the chapter:  “Confidence in God’s eternal love. God’s love is unchanging in the midst of changing situations. This gives us security.”

Yesterday's Max Lucado.

SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS

"Soon after I began following Jesus, I sensed a desire to write Christian books. I cobbled together a manuscript and mailed it to fifteen publishers. Fourteen rejected it. I was beginning to think I should take the hint when one said, “Yes.” Before I knew it, my writing ministry was airborne.

"It’s been over forty years and nearly fifty books. I seem to have more book ideas than I have time to write them. I am a testimony to God’s provision. Trust him. If he calls you, he will equip you. He will give you what you need when you need it.
“God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV).

***

This morning I was rearranging some of my storage containersin my cupboard. I had one larger one that needed to be at the bottom of the pile.

I was moved some of the 'too many' around, I saw one smaller one which I really like. It has a snap on top, which many of my others do not. But I hadn't used it for awhile. Forgot I had it!

I wonder how often I do that with my faith in God. In the busyness of life, I set Him aside. Or forget some of the vast things I have been taught,  lived, or should know?

Dear Father In Heaven,
Help me never forget
Your kindness, gentlemess,
love.
Help me not to set You aside.
Teach me.
Let me remember what I already know.
I need Your help today,
and every day!
Amen.

"For God has said,
"I will 
never,
never 
fail you nor forsake you."
~ Hebrews 13:5b LAB
*
"Jesus Christ
is the same
yesterday,
today,
and forever." 
~ Hebrews 13:8 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "We must keep our eyes on Christ, our ultimate leader, who, unlike human leaders, will never change. He has been and will be the same forever  In a changing world we can trust our unchanging Lord."

***

Last night, there was a ‘praise and prayer’ night at our downtown gazebo park; praying for Clarion-Goldfield-Dows upcoming school year.

Here is a portion of the handout we were given. While it is for CGD schools, you can personalize it for with whatever school you might be involved. (Part 1):

Opening prayer:
 
“God, you alone are all powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere. We worship you and thank you for your love and care for our community and CGD students.

Student Focus Area:

Elementary School

Safety & Peace:  Shield our grounds, media use, and homes (Psalm 18:2). Bring safety to those in danger.

Value & Respect: May every child know their intrinsic worth as image bearers (Genesis 1:26-27), Psalm 139:13-14).

Transitions:  Cover new preschool, K, and transfer students with your peace and compassionate peers.

Middle School

Respect & Culture:  Stop bullying; bring swift help and counsel to all involved. Foster inclusion and kindness.

Transitions:  Grant smooth adaptations through change for both students and staff.
Hope: Guide students struggling with health and food insecurity to trusted adults and support services.

High School

Protection & Choice:  Block drugs, violence, and harm (Psalm 46:1). Protect hearts and minds in technology.

God’s Light:  May believers boldly share Christ’s light (Matthew 5:14-16) and none believers come to know Him (John 3:16-18)."

Lots of things posted on Facebook aren't the best. But this morning, I read a saying by Corrie ten Boom which was really inspirting.

For anyone who may not remember who Corrie ten Boom was, she and her family were Dutch watchmakers. During WWII, they risked their lives hiding hundreds of Jewish people from the Nazis in the Netherlands.
 Her family was later captured and sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp. She was the only family member who survived the ordeal.

Corrie later spent the balance of her life as a worldwide message of her Christian faith and forgiveness. Her nickname became "Tramp for the Lord".

Her saying:

"If you look at the world,
you'll be 
distressed.

If you look within yourself,
you'll be
depressed.

But if you look at Christ,
you'll be 
at rest!"
*
Father God in Heaven,
Thank You that You didn't leave us alone in the world; 
to do life all by ourselves.
You knew we couldn't do it.
Help us to keep our eyes on You.
Not on things happening in
our world;
nor in our lives!
You make
ALL THINGS POSSIBLE!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Today is Wednesday, August 12, 2026; Karen’s Korner #5669!

This morning I was looking back at a Karen's Korner from ten years ago. I want to share it with "korners' readers, as we come closer to this year' Iowa State Fair.

Today is Friday, August 12th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3375

I had the opportunity to help with counties' 4-H entries at the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday. I couldn't believe all of the activity on the fairgrounds. There were so many people, trucks, set up equipment, it was almost like the fair was already in progress, it was so busy.

When we'd stop to think about it, of course, there would need to be all that work.......getting ready for the big days, beginning several days later.

Fairgoers just show up and enjoy what has been for them in advance.

It made me think about heaven. Jesus says, 'I am going to prepare a place for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am." (John 14:2 & 3 LAB)

Like those awaiting us to come to the state fair, Jesus is planning for our coming to His 'forever home'. The Bible Commentary says, "We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in Him. Although the details of eternity are unknown, we need not fear, because Jesus is preparing for us and will spend eternity with us."

So our job? Believe in Jesus and His promises. And get ready for a future with Him..........for eternity!