BY DEGREES

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

We need strong foundations in everything, especially in spiritual things,

And how great to know the Lord is my Rock, what a thrill to my heart this brings.

And yes He's my Fortress to shelter me well, and keep me secure in His place, 
And He's always here to help me, no matter what problem I face.
When the enemy attacks, He delivers me; what a refuge for my soul,

With His shield I'm protected and my salvation is sure--all beneath His control. (RP)

Recovery is slow. I cannot go too quickly. I must take it easy. I have been able to do 3 loads of washing since I have been home. This morning I awakened early, took a shower then washed sheets from the hospital bed. I have been able to do some work for those who are teaching the Sunday School class on Joshua. I am glad I can by degrees get back into the swing of things. My voice is only a whisper, but with the P.A. system, I am able to communicate fairly well. All this is because of Rawlie's wonderful help. Thanks for praying. 

HOW THINGS CHANGE!

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.(RP)

Oh how great to trust God's sovereignty and His providence Divine,

And to know He leads me daily with all the troubles that are mine.

He has a reason for each thing knowing best how to direct my way,

Cheer up fellow Christian, let God do His work, as you trust Him day by day. 

I have always been a pretty good sleeper. After surgery I must sleep on my back. I don't do well on by back. At the hospital, I slept like a baby on my back and have had some fairly good nights at home also. But I must be in the transition mode now, because it is harder and harder to sleep. Last night was fitful, changing from the hospital bed to the lift chair. When I finally awakened this morning, it was 7:45. That's the time I start my morning tube feeding. So I did get some sleep, and am thankful for it. Thanks so much for praying. 

MY FOUR DAILY MEALS

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.   2 Th 3:5

Two things we can certainly use, as we walk down here each day,

The love of God and His patience, are what we should display.

The Psalmist here prays for those things that we'll have His love from above,

And His patience comes naturally when we are controlled by His love. (RP)

EACH DAY I EAT 4 TIMES. I INJECT INTO MY STOMACH TUBE AT EACH MEAL, 8 SYRINGES OF 60ML NUTRIENT, THEN BEFORE EACH FEEDING AND AFTER, FLUSH THE TUBE WITH 50 ML OF FILTERED WATER. THAT'S 10 SYRINGES EACH MEAL, TIMES 4.  I STERILIZE EVERYTHING BEFORE THE NEXT FEEDING. A SHUT OFF VALVE ON STOMACH TUBE HAS TO BE OPENED AND CLOSED EACH TIME A SYRINGE IS FILLED WITH THE NUTRIENT.  IT TAKES ABOUT 25-35 MINUTES FOR EACH MEAL. THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST AND PRAYERS.

GRATEFUL FOR MY FAMILY

John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

What the world needs is Jesus; we must tell them the story,

There is no choice on our part; the command is mandatory.

If we will just faithfully lift up Jesus by our lives and lips today,

He will use what we have done for Him in an ordinary way.

When He is proclaimed,people are drawn to Jesus our Lord,

And I assure you dear Christian, when done, this is your reward.  (RP)

My family is so good to me.  This morning Rawlie left. He has coached me through my  tube feeding process, helping with all the details for a smooth transition. He has kept me supplied with what I need and taken care of matters around the house which at first I was unable to do. Now I am stronger and can. He and Gina have been so helpful. I am indebted to them for their care for me. At the first many phone calls had to be made concerning my care. They did it all. And Rawlie took me to the hospital for original surgery and follow up visit to surgeon. No one has cared for me like them. I thank the Lord for their loving care. Thanks so much for praying. 

MEDICAL REPORT IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE

zCreate in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Psa 51:10

God wants clean hearts in all of us and urges us to seek,

Clean vessels He desires as we pray and work and speak.

With our spirits in deep devotion may they always steadfast be,

Renewed by the Holy Spirit in the work he's set out for me. (RP)

The Swedish hospital doctors said I was doing well. He checked vocal chords and left side is not "shutting" properly against the other side of the V shaped organ. During surgery he injected vocal cord to awaken that side but until now that has not happened. He can still work on it next visit Feb. 16th. Meanwhile he ordered swallow test done in Bellingham, along with a speech therapist. This will also help swallow and help when or if eventually I start eating regularly. I thought I would have swallow test, but apparently the doctor has other plans. Thanks so much for praying.

AMPLIFY A WHISPER

Psalm 143:8 
Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.

Lord help me read your Word each day

And learn Your will for me

And make my life so full of you

So others my Savior will see, (RP)

I came out of surgery with a whisper of a voice. It is a miracle I even have that. Rawlie ordered a speaker system that works so well for me. I had 6 visitors yesterday and it was a blessing not to have to strain my voice to be heard. I just used the microphone and whispered. They all heard me well. I appreciate so much Rawlie's thoughtfulness in these matters. We leave soon for Swedish hospital. I have given this day to the Lord for whatever He desires for me. Rawlie is my driver and I could not have better company. Thanks for praying.

THEY ARE ALL NOT THE SAME

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34   

Worry warts are everywhere and multiply each day,

And Jesus gives instructions clear to help us on our way.

Just be concerned about today, He tells us in the Book

And all will work out for the good as we to Him look.  (RP)

Every night seems to be different. Last night I did not do as well as the other one. It is just that way. The poem I wrote (above) applies to me, especially as we go to Seattle tomorrow for the the swallow test.  As I fed myself through the tube this morning, I wondered if this will continue. You know my thoughts on this. The will of the Lord must be done, whatever that is. I sincerely thank you for praying.

THE GIFT OF SLEEP

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Simple, but oh so profound, are the words before us today,

Christ must have all of us, if we want His blessing along the way.

Decrease yourself by magnifying the Lord in all you do,

He will guide you and help, as His will you pursue.  (RP)

It is easy to take things for granted. Sleep is one of them. I have always done pretty well, but since surgery, other issues have complicated it. Last night I had a blessed sleep. I was awake, but not as often as usual. I praise the Lord for the gift of sleep. Thanks so much for praying. 

FEEDING MYSELF THROUGH THE PEG TUBE

And let us not grow weary while 

doing good, for in due season we 

shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9

In doing good we tend to tire, but 

the payoff's on the way,

And discouraged we must not 

become as we walk the Lord's 

highway.  (RP)

I have observed Rawlie for many days as he methodically put 8 syringes of nutrient into the tube four times daily. He does it with the greatest of ease. I am learning. There is an off and on valve that I open and shut at the proper time as the food is inserted. I am learning. I fed myself all four meals yesterday, and will today also. I am grateful for my family who cares for me. The visiting nurse came yesterday and said all was going well with my progress. She will be working with us to have more help also for other tasks. I am thankful for such services. Thanks so much for praying. 

STRANGE BUT TRUE

You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on You,Because he trusts in You.Isaiah 26:3

God's looking for those who will think upon Him,

Even when all seems so dismal and dim. 

Perfect peace is promised for those who are set,

To honor Him in their heart without a regret.(RP)

Margie often could not sleep in her bed, so would come out to her lift chair. Two or three hours there would get her to sleep, then she would return to her bed and finish the night. Since surgery, I have used her chair. It is the only one I can get out of because of its lift capability. I have been getting up about 8 times every night. I don't get much rest this way. Last night I was determined to go to lift chair. God did His miracle for me. I got about 4 hours of sleep. Thank you Lord. Even though for me this chair is not even comfortable, I slept last night. I am grateful. Thanks for praying.

VISITING NURSE

This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

This verse inspires us today to live each day for Him,

Because he gives us life and breath and all things to enjoy,

I wonder if there are some out there who  forget this fact each day,

And go their merry way each step their own plan to employ.(RP)

Because of Rawlie & Gina's constant phone calls, we actually had a visiting nurse here yesterday. She took my vitals, assessed what I could do and what is being done for me. Gina had concerns about the PEG tube through which they feed me. The nurse cleaned it up more, and the next nurse will continue to work on it. I had visitors yesterday from my Friday Bible class. My voice is week, so I cannot speak very much. Unusual, but now I listen. Thanks for praying. 

GRATEFUL FOR THE CARE

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

2Co 8:9

We're told in simple words right here, what Jesus did for us,And how He came from Heaven's heights, so rich and then made poor.

And when I claim Him as my own He gives me all His wealth.And shows me from His word each day in Him I'm so secure.(RP)

My family is so caring. After my shower, Gina dressed the area where the Peg tube enters the skin above my stomach.It has to be watched daily. Rawlie fed me breakfast earlier. I am blessed with a loving family who genuinely cares for me. I never knew this  was coming when I had surgery. My family told me this morning that the visiting nurse will be here this afternoon. Thanks for praying.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.   Psa 33:21

Some find it hard to rejoice, in this life of toil and strain.

But in Jesus there is joy for us, no matter how much we complain.

When you trust in His name this is the secret indeed.

And for we who have done it we know how to succeed. (RP)

Rawlie returned to Stanwood last night. Now Gina is in charge. She "feeds" me well, and things are going smoothly. I am grateful for her and Rawlie's help. When we were down to my last meal, U.P.S. brought another shipment. We were relieved. It took a lot of telephone calls to make it happen, and I an indebted to Rawlie for his work. I had my best night since being home last night. I hope it will be better from here on. Thanks so much for praying.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

Philemon 1:4    I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers..

The Apostle Paul's had a prayer list to help him pray each day,

And each name he mentioned with thanksgiving as he went along the way.  (RP)

I am very happy Rawlie is with me these days, And Gina returns today. They do most the talking on phone because my voice is so weak. And they also feed me. There are instructions to follow as I heal:  explicit instructions how to handle and care for surgery wounds. No lifting or participation in sports,swimming or exercise equipment. The list is long.  No driving for 6 weeks, and when I ride in a car I must sit in rear seat. The air bags if released could undo my surgery.  Thanks for praying as I adhere to these instructions,

HUG THE PILLOW

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Matthew 24:35

One thing is certain in this sin-filled world; God is always in control,

No matter what mankind thinks, He is always and everywhere on patrol.

I'm so glad His words are in this book; the Bible is precious to me,

My prayer is that all will read what it says, and with Jesus want to be.

Thank God His words will never pass away; they are with us to stay,

So we praise Him for all He's done for us, and trust Him and obey.  (RP)

After a sternotomy, we must hug a pillow to keep all those bones in place. To sit down and get up is a new experience,  Try getting into bed with these restrictions. We cannot drive, in fact we have to sit in the back seat because in case of accident,the air bag would be devastating. There are many more aspects of this which we will not bore you with now. Thanks much for praying for me.

ONE DAY AT A TIME

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. 

What comfort for God's children these commands so strong and clear,

And when followed with dedication bring such blessings and a cheer.

He'll instruct and teach us simply the path that we should walk,

And when we look to Jesus He will gently lead his flock. (RP)

I should have said also, one night at a time. I get up often during the night. They still don't have all the medications adjusted. I also have trouble with my feet and legs at night.  Hopefully these will pass. Rawlie is a great help to me through all this. I am in touch with my doctor concerning the Peg tube which "feeds" me.  My next appointment with my surgeon is Jan 26. It is critical, because he wants to do the swallow test, to see if I can tolerate food by eating normally. Please pray about this.  I appreciate it very much.

ADJUSTMENTS AFTER MAJOR SURGERY

Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; ;It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.

We know we all need help, to make it through every day,

Because we are unable to know what's right and how to direct our way.

We need God's help for everything and especially each step we take,

And at the end of the day we thank Him much because we did not his leading forsake. (RP)

Surgery weakens one. I cannot fully care for myself. I need help, and praise the Lord Rawlie and Gina are here for that. With my sternum cut plus ribs, I hug a pillow. THAT MUST BE DONE IN ORDER NOT TO UNDO THE SURGERY.  With stomach tube feeding, I forget it is a MEAL, so didn't pray. Now I do. I also "eat" 4 times a day. Each meal I get 8 large syringes (60 ml).  Thanks for praying for these adjustments.

FIRST SUNDAY HOME AFTER SURGERY

"Blessed are the pure in heart, For they

shall see God."

Matthew 5:8

I'm glad that Jesus knows each heart and  

does nothing slipshod,

And all whose hearts are pure indeed

He says they will see God. (RP)

I'm learning the adjustments one must make after major surgery. This is the first time I am walking this road. There is much to learn. I am indebted and so grateful for Rawlie & Gina who have learned the routine of feeding me. It is not easy and must be done correctly. They are doing it with precision. I am so grateful. No hunger, no taste, no joy of eating. These are gone. But I am still here. When I am well, I can resume serving the Lord. Thanks for praying.

WELCOME HOME

  O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and

thirsty land Where there is no water..

Psalm 63:1

When in the desert all by yourself how do you commune with God?

Do you sleep on more and take more rest, and continue with a nod?

King David teaches much today with this early morning act

He sought the Lord so early on before other things distract

His soul was thirsty for his God and his body felt it too,

So he called upon the Lord right there His refreshment to pursue.

Oh what consolation for us when we early seek the Lord,

Knowing very well we'll get it and great will be our reward.  (RP)

I was discharged from the hospital last night. Rawlie was there to take me home. It took a long time to get on the freeway. We arrived home at 8:15.  Charlotte Boraker made a welcome home sign. What a joy to get home!  Gina and Gwen arranged my hospital bed in our front room and it is delightful. The whole house looks nice. This morning Rawlie and Gina fed me my first breakfast in the stomach feeding tube. About 6 large syringes of special food Rawlie put through the tube.  I appreciate so much their wonderful help. Thanks so much for praying. 

IT WILL PASS

Commit your way to the Lord,trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:5)

Scores of times I have given this verse to people in sickness. Now it is my turn. This verse is not on automatic pilot. We have a responsibility of commit and trust. When we do, HE brings it to pass. We have no control of the outcome. That is with God. I am glad it is.

TRUSTING HIM ALWAYS

Whenevever I am afraid I willtrust in YOU. Psalm 53:6

During the night I had a scare. Breathing seemed hard and sleep fled from me. David's words hit us hard in times like these. For 65 years I have been telling others to practice this. Now it is my turn. Thank you Lord. And thank you all for praying.

HIS VOICE

My voice you shall hear in the morning. (Psalm 5:4)

His voice we always want to hear. And I am sure He wants to hear ours.

This morning the surgeon was here and said today I will start learning how how to feed myself. It sounds like baby talk doesn't it? When one has a feed tube this is serious business. Please pray I will learn well. Thanks so much for praying. It looks like I may be discharged toward the end of the week. I or my son will keep people informed.

REAL TASTING

O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed he who trusts in Him. (Psalm 34: 8)

Tasting the goodness of God is what I need today. I have no other taste, so this is special. I prayed a lot last night about what would happen if I am allowed that privilege. There are many things I desire to do. Please pray with me about this. I appreciate your prayer support.

HIS STRENGTH)

Be strong in the Lord

I am so glad to be strong in HIM. In this flesh I am even weaker. Today they are going to surgically place a peg tube in me to make it easier for me to eat. Please pray all will go well. Thanks SO MUCH for praying.

TO SEATTLE TODAY

Psalm 138:8

 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;

Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;

Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

I'm so glad You're not through with me yet dear Lord; there's more You will do for me,

You perfect Your children in their own peculiar way, and to this we surely agree.

Your mercy is everlasting, and we count on this each day; It is certain this will not end,

And we praise You now from our hearts, because without a doubt upon You we can depend. (RP)

Lord willing, this afternoon I drive to Rawlie's house. I will have a bite to eat, then Rawlie will drive us to a hotel near the hospital. I am working on my list of things to do prior to departure. There are many things I wanted to do before leaving, but they will have to wait. I sincerely thank each of you for your prayer support. 

COUNTDOWN

........I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philip. 4:11

No matter what today may bring,

My heart has been taught by YOU, to always sing.

So friend, when you think all has gone wrong,

Please remember this: God always gives a song. (RP)

This verse means much to me as I prepare for surgery. I am so grateful for family and friends who walk with me and pray. Thanks to you all. 

(Sent from my cell phone)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2 Tim 2:19   Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

God's promise is sure and as strong as His name and is sealed with His loving concern,

And we read in the Word all the promises great and realize we have much to learn.

I'm so grateful He knows me; I belong to Him, and a warning He gives me today,

When we carry His name he instructs us with love, to depart from evil all the way.  (RP)

I hope and pray each of you has a great start to this New Year. I know some are hurting badly, so this will not be cheerful for them in the same way as others. We who are believers in Jesus, have hope beyond today, and this is our joy. I will be facing surgery in a few more days. How wonderful to rest in Jesus, and not be worked up about the future. He is in control. I am so glad He is. Thanks for praying.