FIRST TIME

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it util the day of Jesus Christ.  Philippians 1:6

God will do what He ordains; what a comfort for us all.

And He faithfully works things out whether great or very small.

When He begins a work in us, you can know He'll finish well.

So trust Him fully with all your heart, and your doubts He will dispel

He keeps on working in your life the work started long ago,

And it will last until He comes with His blessing to bestow.   (RP)

After surgery I had to sleep on my back. I am not used to doing this, so it was hard. But awhile ago I returned to my bed and have not used the hospital bed since. But I could not sleep on my side because of the operation. When I felt the sternotomy was healed sufficiently, I tried sleeping on my side. It just did not work. I would have to go into the family room and use Margie's lift chair. I could always finish the night there and sleep. What a blessing. Well, here is the news. Last night I made it ALL night in my bed without moving to the lift chair. So it is a FIRST for me after surgery. Thanks so much for praying. 

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BUSY DAY

Proverbs 18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

The Lord is our refuge for all who believe; His name is a hiding place,

He gives shelter to all who believe in Him, and is for people of every race.

Those who trust Him find strength, and the safety he gives freely to them,

And those who trust Him as our Savior are sure there is no greater gem.  (RP)

I enjoyed going through all the cards I received. Then all the text messages, email, and personal phone calls added to this list. I was at Walgreen's and a cancellation at the doctor's office allowed me to go there at 1 pm instead of March 20. That was nice. So I had to readjust my feeding schedule to work in this trip. After about 4 hours on the go, I returned home for the 4 pm feeding. I was glad to be home. My family called later to top off the day's greetings and a delightful visit with them. Today should be more calm. Thanks for praying.

WHAT'S AHEAD

Ps 19:1-2  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

God's preachers are the universe and his marvelous creations so great,

Speaking God's message with power; day after day very straight.

Everything the work of His Hands, is proclaiming the knowledge of God,

Bringing God's message to all with this incredible heavenly applaud. (RP)

I cannot help but ponder about what is ahead. I know I face more surgery. I understand this is only temporary. But life is full of temporaries. People apologize when I am around food. There is no need for that, for I feel no hunger. The last time I ingested food was Jan. 3 at Rawlie & Gina's house. My feeding goes well four times daily. Now I add to the end of the meal my therapy to help swallow and hopefully to be able to speak better. It's all part of what's ahead. I am so glad the Lord is in charge, so I can just leave it with Him. I am content. God is good. Thanks for praying. 

INSTALLATION SERVICE FOR NEW PASTOR

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6

We are prone to get nervous and uptight about much, but God urges us to trust Him,

When anxiety takes over and we're not in control, take to God your every whim.

Learn to pray and petition God and thank Him as you make your request,

And the results will be great and you'll know without a doubt that you are blessed. (RP)

We are thrilled to have this service today to welcome and install Kiyle Decker as our new pastor at First Baptist Church, Ferndale, WA. The message will be given by our former pastor Dave Lunsford. We look forward to a wonderful day. Thanks for praying.

SNOW

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Stand tall for Jesus is our call so stay true to what you believe,

Do not waver on this road, great promises you will receive.

Our hope is in Him, that's why we hold fast,

as we walk from day to day,

We will be blessed more than words can tell as we continually do things His way. (RP)

I live on a hill, at least it is higher than downtown Ferndale. There is snow here this morning. In Ferndale (down the hill), there may be none. It is snowing as I write this. My son was coming up today, but I doubt if that will happen now. This afternoon there is a birthday celebration for Jewel Lunsford (90), and tomorrow is the installation of our new pastor, Kiyle Decker. We hope the weather will not cancel these events. Thanks for praying.

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

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)

Yesterday was my first day to drive since December.  My only concern was the snow covered roads. But all went well and I had my first therapy session. The focus of my time there was to learn swallowing exercises. When David said we are fearfully and wonderfully made, he was correct. The muscles that influence swallowing are complex beyond words. I now have 8 major routines I do three times a day. Some of these routines are repeated several times as I do them, making a total of 50 times per session. I do these after my 7am, 12 noon, and 4 pm feedings. On the way home yesterday I also renewed my drivers license. Now I am good until I am 93. Thanks for your prayers. 

SPEECH THERAPY

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

No one is good but God. But in Jesus we are considered good too.

God orders our steps as we travel and for some this is something new.

Each step is ordered by God, according to His sovereign will,

And He delights in our walk with Him and each day is an exciting thrill. (RP)

This morning I have an appointment with a speech therapist. I don't know exactly what they are going to do. Maybe help me learn to swallow in a different way and also speak better. I could certainly use help on both of these. I plan, Lord willing, on renewing my drivers license after that. I am sure I will be glad to be home. This is my first time to drive since last year. Thanks for praying 

GRANTING REQUESTS

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4  

A heart that is happy is truly blessed, God intends it to be this way,

That's why the command is given oft times, 'cause He wants us to obey.

Rejoicing can be done in many ways, but there's one He directs to you,

Rejoice IN THE LORD is His word to you; Do it and have joy through and through. (RP)

I am happy that in my recovery I am asked to do something.  My grandson wanted my testimony to use at his church last night, so I spent part of the morning working on that. Then I was asked Sunday morning when I attended the service for the first time since Dec. 31, to contribute another paper for his class. So these things keep me going and I am pleased to be able to do something positive in my weakened condition. I spoke to the dietitian who helps me with the nutritional part of my tube-feeding, and she said it is normal to lose weight after major surgery like mine. As of today I have lost 45 pounds. The suspenders help!  Thanks for praying. 

SOME MORE CHAPTERS

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.

Psalm 5:3

What an important way to begin our day is suggested here today,

The king promised God that in the morning He would hear him pray.

This was not a misdirected prayer; it is said to be directed to Him,It is God's way to pray this way; it's not just up to man's whim.King 

David looked up when he prayed; this direction is always best,

How special to talk to our Father this way and in His care always rest.  (RP)

Even though I have lost more weight, I was up to working in the office a little yesterday. I was able to correct twenty more chapters of the Shepherds book. I hope I can get some more done today. Laurel Hicks has done a masterful job of editing these pages, and I would like to complete my part of the project, There is much to do in organizing everything for publishing. I have been encouraged with those who are reading our first book, From a Canoe to a Chevy. Thanks for praying.

A GOAL FOR DRIVING

Your word I have hidden in my heart,That I might not sin against You.  Psalm 119:11

So much that's hidden in this life is certainly not very good,

And mysterious things and sinful acts that really are not understood.

But God ordains that we hide His Word deeply within our heart,

And if we do we will not sin nor from His ways depart. (RP)

After a sternotomy surgery one has to be very careful about all kinds of activities. Thankfully I have had help, so this hasn't been a problem. Driving is one of those restrictions. I haven't driven since January 2. On Thursday I have an appointment with the speech therapist, who will be trying to help me some day be able to swallow without ingesting food into the lungs. The procedure at Swedish hospital March 7 also helps with this, plus help me be able to speaker better. So on Thursday, this week, I plan to start driving. After the speech therapy appointment, I will drive to the licensing department to renew my license. Thanks so much for praying.

BACK TO CHURCH

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

We think we are important and our self esteem grows bold,

Our minds play tricks too often and our pride soon is fourfold.

Then we meet our Savior who instructs us through His word,

Then we realize in a moment that we've been quite absurd.

In our walk with Christ down here we are to magnify Him,

And any other behavior surely puts us way out on a limb.

Dear Christian: live for Jesus and make Him the honored guest. (RP)

It sure is a good feeling this morning, as I plan returning to church. The last time I was there was December 31, January 4 I had surgery, and I have been recovering ever since. Rawlie is going to accompany me today. I am glad he is, because I still need assistance in getting out of any chair that is low. I cannot use my hands or arms to push or pull me into the standing position. It will be so good to see our friends again, and listen to our new pastor, Kiyle Decker. A storm is predicted for today and it has already started. High winds and even snow may be our part today. Thank you so much for your prayer support.

AMAZING VOCAL CHORDS

You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.  Acts 2:28

God's gracious ways explain so well what he has planned for us,

His way of life is meant for us,andoh what a marvelous plus.

He gives us joy both now and again when in His presence we land,

And then in Heaven we'll know it well, because we'll have it all firsthand. (RP)

We arrived early for our appointment with the specialist at Swedish hospital. Thankfully they took us right away. The doctor put a special tool up my nose and Rawlie and I watched as he explained what was happening in the vocal chords. They are not closing properly. During surgery he had already injected them, hoping this would help solve the problem. He set March 7 for the next surgery on my chords. He will go through the mouth. Yes, I will have to be "out" even though the procedure will not take long. It will be an in and out situation, but he described some of the discomforts following the procedure. All this is only temporary. If my voice returns to my satisfaction (or not), they can do also a more permanent procedure. So all we can do here is PRAY. Thanks for helping me this way. 

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

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.

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.  (RP)

The verse and poem express my convictions today. Yesterday I failed the barium swallow test. They had a whole array of items for me to swallow, but stopped after only two teaspoons of material. My swallowing mechanism allows food to slip into the lungs. This is not right, so on the 22 nd I start special training with a speech language pathologist.  Hopefully I will learn techniques to help me strengthen muscle groups and whatever else is supposed to work, to help me eat normally again. It may never happen. If not, I already have the peg-tube and feed myself 4 times daily. I learned something else yesterday. I am to brush my teeth often, because I swallow my saliva, and brushing the teeth cuts down dramatically on my getting pneumonia because of the bacteria that comes from the mouth.  I learned something new. Thanks so much for your prayers. Today Rawlie drives me to Swedish hospital where Dr. Sniezek will do a procedure on my vocal chords. It may change my voice, and hopefully help me be able to talk better. I'll report as things happen.

TODAY AND TOMORROW

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Man likes to be his own boss but God says His peace should rule,

If one decides to do it his own way, he certainly is a fool.

Let God's peace rule in your heart, and thankful you will be,

And your peace will be oh so sweet and His blessings you will see. (RP)

Many of you are praying about today and tomorrow. These two appointments are important. Today I will discover if I can swallow normally while eating, and the food goes to the stomach instead of the lungs. I have failed 4 of these already. May God's will be done is all I want. Tomorrow takes me to Swedish hospital for two things: for Dr. Sniezek to tweak my vocal chords, trying to restore my voice to a better level, and then getting a new PEG-tube extension. The one I presently use, has a slit in it. Fortunately I have been able to use it. I am thankful. And I am thankful for your prayer support. 

TEMPORARY FIX

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

There is just one way to get saved; these words tell us how,

Just listen to them and accept this beautiful gift right now.

By faith we take what is written here and make it our own,

And by doing this I can assure you, you are never alone.

All the work in the world will not save you; that is very plain,

And if you were to try it out, your effort would be mundane.

We cannot boast of what God gives, so be content my friend,

Accept the gift of eternal life and always on our God depend.  (RP)

Yesterday I made a temporary fix to my feeding tube which had a split in it. I carefully wrapped a very small piece of magic Scotch tape around it. The first one did not hold, but the next one did and I completed breakfast without a problem. Lord willing Friday when Rawlie takes me to Seattle, I will get a replacement. If not, I will just keep on doing the same thing. Thanks for praying.

COMPLICATIONS

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

We wonder what God thinks of us; here is the answer clear,

He desires peace, not evil, for His own, a blessed thing to hear.

God wants our future to be bright, and a future filled with hope,

With a future so plainly described, with every problem we can cope. (RP)

Things can get complicated. For some things it really doesn't matter. Saturday night our TV gave out. Today the company replaced all the rat-eaten cable and replaced the dish receptor, and now all is fine. BUT while feeding myself this morning, the peg-tube split and nutrients were spilling out. I spent the next hours on phone trying to figure out the remedy. Finally Swedish hospital, where it was installed, said they would see me Friday when Rawlie takes me for another visit to Dr. Sniezek concerning my vocal chords. In the meantime, I must devise some method to keep most of the nutrients going through the tube instead of spilling out. Thanks for praying. 

I WONDERED WHY

Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.   James 4:14

Uncertainties abound in life and tomorrow is one of them.

We have no idea in the world but we can trust it all to Him.

Life is fragil beyond degree and can disappear like steam,

So trust your soul to Christ alone because He only can redeem.(RP)

Margie had much trouble sleeping. She would start in her bed, then later move to her lift chair and usually sleep a couple of hours, and return to her bed to finish the night. I never dreamed I would follow this pattern after surgery. Last night I went to the lift chair and slept until about 6:30. I never sleep hours at a time. I have to make bathroom stops. This may be the problem. When I am better, I will see another specialist and see if there is help. I still do not know why the lift chair gives sleep. For me it is not even comfortable, but the results I like very much. Thanks for praying. 

KEEP TRYING

I will bless the Lord at all times;His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  Psalm 34:1

To bless the Lord is to thank Him for all He has done for you,

Let's join in this, and praise Him for daily mercies that are new. (RP)

I rarely take sleeping pills. The night before last I did, and did pretty well. But the next day, yesterday, I was a zombie all day and slept most the day. I could not stay awake. This was just an over the counter sleep aid. Last night I took nothing and even though I did not sleep soundly through the night, I switched "beds" during the night and went to the lift chair, where I finished off the night, and got up at 7:30. This is all so rare for my sleeping habits. I guess major surgery does interrupt the cycle. My Direct TV went out last night also, so my Christian sermons for today will have to wait.Thanks so much for praying. 

TRYING TO GET MORE SLEEP

For we walk by faith, not by sight.  II ?Corinthians 5:7

God leads His children differently, more than any other you could name,

He asks us to trust Him fully; this walk by faith we proclaim.

We like to see where we are going, but God's way is best for us,

Walking by faith, trusting our lives to His care, is for each one a plus. (RP)

I slept most the night (off and on) in my regular bed in the bed room. That was the first time since my operation. I went to the  lift chair for only an hour or so early this morning. I decided last night to try one of the over-the-counter sleep medications Margie has used before. It was pretty good, but I still have some issues that keep me up at night. I will see a doctor later about this. Thanks so much for praying. It means much to me.

IN THE OFFICE

James 4:14  Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

We really do not know how long we will really be here,

Most of us agree that life is very special and so dear.

Tomorrow is so very uncertain, we all know this is so,

Just check the obituaries and then you too will know.

Life is likened to a vapor that arises out of the kettle,

Eternity is a spiritual matter that everyone should settle.

Jesus is the way to heaven; receive him for eternal life,

He forgives sin, gives eternal life and saves from much strife.  (RP)

I decided to get back into my office. The problem is the chair. I have to have it high enough so I don't push up with my hands or pull from something above to get me in standing position. So I put a cushion on the office chair, and it worked. I am so glad to be here again to do this blog and go through tons of emails. And Lord willing I will try to get back to the Shepherd book I have written. I still have a lot of work to do even though all the chapters are written. I'm not sleeping well but hopefully that will improve as I do. Thanks so much for praying. 

TRYING NEW THINGS

Your word I have hidden in my heart,That I might not sin against You.  Psalm 119:11

So much that's hidden in this life is certainly not very good,

And mysterious things and sinful acts that really are not understood.

But God ordains that we hide His Word deeply within our heart,

And if we do we will not sin, nor from His ways depart. (RP)

I am trying new things as I recover. Last night I returned to my bed in the bedroom. But I could not sleep. So out to the lift chair, where I slept off and on until 5:30 this morning. Today I may try going into my office and see if I can raise the office chair. That way I can get out of it, otherwise I am stuck. Fortunately I have been able to do the washing using the "reachers" to put things in and out of the tub. I had visitors yesterday, and Charlotte Boraker and Helen Boraker came and made by hospital bed. I appreciate this very much. I had a nice visit with the Hubbards. I lament not being able to visit the sick, but am thankful for our pastor Kiyle Decker, who is doing it and much more as he begins his ministry with us. We are grateful. Thanks for praying. 

TWO MORE APPOINTMENTS

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; {7} and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

If your heart is in a frenzy, and you don't know what to do,

Just do what Paul wrote here, and God will see you through.

Anxiety has a good solution, and God gives it to us here,

Talk to God about your problem and the answer is very near.

Give all to Him in thankful prayer, and His peace will come to you.

And you find answers far surpassing and His blessings, not a few. (RP)

I want to mention two important appointments coming up. On February 15 in Bellingham, I will 
have a swallow test. I have had 4 of these already and did not do well on any of them. It would be a blessing if I passed the test. That would indicate I could actually eat a meal. At this point, I leave this with the Lord and I want His will. My next appointment is the day after, on Feb 16. This one will be in Seattle at Swedish hospital. Dr. Sniezek wants to "wake up" one side of my vocal chords, and try to improve my speech. If it responds favorable, it will also improve my swallowing. Thanks so much for praying. Rawlie will take me to Seattle for that treatment.  

PATIENTLY WAITING

Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.John 14:6

Jesus gave the road map to us, showing each the right way to go,

And this leaves no room for doubt because now everyone can know.

He is the Way the Truth and the Life and in Him we are safe and secure,

So trust Him as Savior and rest in Him because in this plan you will endure.  (RP)

I am not bragging about having patience as I wait. I am sure I am impatient, but am learning some important lessons about waiting.  I have no complaints. I realize healing is a process. I must be patient and allow God to restore me to whatever level He wants for me. I know that right now I am pretty well controlled by the four long and detailed meals I put into this peg tube in my stomach each day. It is presently controlling my daily schedule of activities. My son says I have learned the routine well. I have always pretty well enjoyed the things I do. I will add tube feeding now to the list. It is a constant challenge to find ways to improve the way I do it. Naturally I ask questions that really don't have answers right now. How long will I do this? Only our Lord knows. It makes no difference, because all 4 meals each day are the exact same thing. I don't sense anything different before or after each meal. All I know is that this is keeping me alive. And I am excited to know what I can do to serve the Lord as I gain strength and heal. Thanks so much for praying. 

CARING FRIENDS AND FAMILY

So we may boldly say;The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?    Heb 13:6

Oh how wonderful to serve the Lord and trust Him day by day,

Leaning trustingly upon Him as I walk along the way.

He is our greatest Helper and trusted Friend indeed.

And with Him no fear assails me and with Him we will succeed.  (RP)

Rawlie was here for the weekend.  I am thankful for his help. He will be ordering more "meals" for my tube feeding. My neighbors took out the recycle material for me Friday.  Char and Helen Boraker came another time to put clean sheets on my hospital bed. The list goes on and on. I had never had major surgery before, so did not know how helpless one can be without help. I am grateful for all who help in MANY ways. And I appreciate all who PRAY for me.

CHANGE OF PLANS

The Lord will indeed give what is good. Psalm 85:12

It is so easy to go through life thinking we should have more,

We are reminded right here that God gives to us from His store.

He has supplied our need, and we should be content with this,

And best of all He knows what is good, and by this rule insists.

Christian be content with what you have, that's your portion today,

When needs arise, you can be sure God will provide along the way.  (RP)

I planned to attend the installation service of our new pastor this morning. I was all dressed for the event when a text from an elder said the pastor is sick with the flu. They have made last minute adjustments and texts and phone calls to have the service at another time. I am relieved. Rawlie came to take me to this, now that will be postponed. There is so much flu out there, it is doubtless better to stay home. I am very content with this decision. Thanks for praying.

THEY NEED OUR PRAYER SUPPORT

God is our refuge and strength, a very

 present help in trouble. Therefore we

 will not fear, even though the earth be

 removed ....Psalm 46:1-2  

In a world filled with sin and things in a mess, we wonder if there is hope,

Is there an answer for the troubles a

round us, can people really cope?

Thank God He's the answer, because He's our refuge and strength,

He is always present in trouble, and to help us He will go to any length.

Trust Him as your Savior, and you will know His help is always near

And because of this no matter what, you never need to fear.

Rawlie came last evening, and it is so 

nice to have him here.Several of our 

friends are in the hospital and we need 

to pray for them. Alice Joy may be able

to get out of the hospital today, and we 

were sorry to hear that 

veteran  missionary Iola Boyer fell in 

her house yesterday and broke her hip.

 Surgery is set for today.  Carolyn

 Hively has been in the hospital for a

 long time with an intestinal disorder 

and complications. And Bonnie Witwick

 is in Hospice House waiting for her call

 to Heaven.  Thanks for praying for

 these

SLOW, BUT SURE

Psalm 147:1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

Why is it so hard to praise the Lord and thank Him for all He has done,

Is it because we are lazy,and our heart is wrong, and this wonderful thing we shun?

God says praise is pleasant to Him and us, if we would just practice it now,

So why not start,and praise the Lord and at His feet humbly bow.   (RP)

I can testify that recovery is slow. Just when you think you are ahead, then weakness comes. But that is okay, because this takes time. I find myself napping a lot these days. I think it is because I do not sleep well at night. For that reason last night while watching news, I literally fought to stay awake, hoping it would help at night. I think it did. Today the visiting nurse comes. Yesterday the case worker came, and concluded I did not need the extra services they provide because she thought I was doing well in those areas. Thank the Lord for that. As I witness to those who come to care for me, it is rewarding to find born again believers in Jesus. It was so yesterday. What a delight. Thanks for praying. 

GRATEFUL NO MATTER WHAT

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)

In everything we are to be thankful. We don't always know the "why" of things, but that makes no difference. Just be thankful. This morning as I was "squirting" 10 large syringes of liquid into my stomach via the special tube, I realized how grateful I am to be alive. I want to keep on serving the Lord, and God willing, that may happen. As I "whisper" when talking, I am grateful I can whisper. I am also grateful for a son who had the foresight to get me a machine to amplify my voice. I am grateful that in my weakness I can pray. I notice that each day I am able to do more things in my pursuit toward independence; in the meantime, I am grateful for ALL who help me. Thanks for praying.