Having one car in the family presents a challenge. We're trying now for me to take the car in the mornings, go home for lunch, and have Vicki bring me back afterwards. I do get a home-cooked meal out of it, so I like this arrangement!

Started back doing the daily "A.M. Prayer" on The Preacher's Files Bible Study Forum. And finally got back to doing a "God with us" devotional in Portuguese. Hadn't done one since before our trip.

Wrote a poem tonight and sent it off to Gospel Light magazine. Second one I've sent them; first one was in April.

Lord who rules the universe, we are grateful you have given us authorities and governments to bring peace and security as we go about our daily activities. We are aware of their imperfections, but thank you for providing for our social stability. And we remember those who have given themselves, and even their lives, to preserve freedoms and liberties not available to so many of this world's inhabitants.

Why have you granted us such freedoms and blessings, Lord, if not to share the greatest blessing of all, the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Amen.

We got a late start this morning again, arriving just in time for worship. People were waiting outside, and I've mentioned to Wilson that we've got to have more keys made. For now, I think only he, Otavio, and I have keys to the building.

Otavio had asked Jorge to preach today in his absence, second, maybe third time for him to do so. Did a good job, too, on the "Gospel of the Presence," from the resurrection story on the way to Emaus. Otavio will be back this week from accompanying Valeria to Paris.

Had 36 today, with 25 Christians present. Down from last week. One visitor, as I remember, Daniella, who's been coming some with her sister Eliana.

After a quick drive-thru at McDs, I conked out and slept for several hours. Then up to Taubate, where I led singing and preached on "Let's Start Preaching," from Matt. 4:12-17: (1) Movement (12-13); (2) Fulfillment (14-16); (3) Repentance (17). It all rhymes in Portuguese. :)

The Taubate church is sending R$500 to the children's home to help with the construction of their first cottage. Will allow them to help more kids.

On the way home we caught a bit of rain as on the way there, thanks to the cyclone, they say, that went ashore somewhere in Rio state. Looked really rough back toward the east.

We didn't stop for a sandwich at the Taubate mall, but headed straight home for leftovers.

Sovereign Lord, you wield all power and authority as Creator and Maintainer of this world. You have blessed your people with great riches and potent tools for the use of the Kingdom. May we not be slaves to our tools, but make them valuable instruments for winning souls and edifying saints. May they increase our effectiveness and efficiency, rather than serving as dead weights. Rather than our being slaves to our tools, may they be our servants, as we are yours, just as your Son was made a servant for salvation. Amen.

Our Father in Heaven, you are in every place, having arrived before us. Wherever we go, you are already there. Heaven is your dwelling place, eternity your throne. We acknowledge that we are strangers here -- wherever "here" may be on this earth -- for we are in transit toward eternity. Keep us from accumlating possessions here that would keep us tied down and prevent us from reaching our destination. For, above all, we want to get where we're going, to your celestial abode. Because our Lord Jesus has preceded us there. Amen.