Monday, April 30, 2018

EVERY DAY


If I regard iniquity in my heart,the Lord will not hear. Psalms. 66:18

Praying to God with unconfessed sin, is a serious thing indeed,
For the truth of the matter is this dear one, if you do you will not succeed.  (RP)

A look at my electronic schedule on my phone, tells me I have something each day this week. Sometimes there are two things on the same day.  So I better get with it and have the tank filled on the Buick and all my homework done in time to make these commitments. I am glad I am feeling up to complying with these scheduled appointments. I had a super day in church yesterday. It was a blessing being in Sunday School and morning service. Thank you for praying. 


Sunday, April 29, 2018

PROPERTY TAX

John 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 

Jesus was focused on His mission in life; to do His father's work
And as we watch Him in the Word, we noticed he did not shirk.
May we today begin to have the same goals as our Savior had,
We would then be focused in our work, and for sure be very glad. (RP)

My main objective yesterday was to pay my property taxes. I do it online, which saved a trip to town. I also took advantage of being Saturday, to start my studying for Friday's Bible class. The shoulder therapist added several more routines to my program each day. So between swallow and speech and shoulder therapies and the four tube feedings each day, my daylight hours are pretty well filled. I have to really tinker with schedules to get my appointments in.  But it is all a challenge, and works out in the end. I am glad. And I thank YOU for praying.  

Saturday, April 28, 2018

WEDDING

Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

I marvel at God's love for me, and the way He cares for me, 
I read these special words, and wonder how it could be.
To think that God values me, is more than my mind can grasp,
But it is right here, and I marvel for sure, and yes, I gasp.  (RP)

The highlight of yesterday was the Courtney Lancaster and Kyle Kooy wedding. When Courtney knew I planned on attending, she asked if I would do the dedication prayer at their wedding. I was honored, because she and her parents were in our church when I was pastor, so we have known them for many years. It was a lovely service. I did not stay for the entire reception, because I needed to get home for another infusion. I am thankful I was able to be a part of the gala event. Thank you all for your prayers. 

Friday, April 27, 2018

THERAPY CHANGE

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)

When I saw the shoulder therpist yesterday, I told him I must have gone too heavy on one of the exercises. My shoulder hurt so badly I could hardly use my left arm and hand. He immediately change his approach to my therapy, and showed me other ways to exercise that were less strenuous on the tissues, tendons, etc. Boy was I relieved when he did that. I had a good night and hopefully today after my home therapy routine, I will not be any worse. I am looking forward to the class this morning. Thanks for praying. 



Thursday, April 26, 2018

FELLOWSHIP

James 1:5  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

We need lots of help as we move about each day,
We really do no know how to choose our daily way, 
God's wisdom is for his children to decide these things,
And when done His way, to our hearts His joy brings.(RP)

I was blessed last night in being able to attend our Wednesday night fellowship. It was held outside, for the supper time. Of course I do not partake in that because of my tube feeding. It was a joy to be with the church family. The teaching time with Pastor Kiyle was profitable for all of us, then the private groups  met to discuss and answer questions and spend some time in prayer. I had to leave before prayer time, due to my regimen for infusion. I thank all who faithfully pray for me. It is much appreciated.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

I AM BLESSED

Exodus 16:2 Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.

Complaining is a dreadful thing, that catches many in its trap,
And many more things could be named that seem to entrap.
When God leads you into a certain way, rejoice and be glad,
And do not go around disgruntled, and with a face that is mad.
Be content with what you have and the way God is leading you,
If you do it this way, you will win, and rejoice in what you pursue. (RP)

It was a special treat for me to have my son here from Sunday to Tuesday evening. He worked for his company here using his laptop and my Wi-Fi connection.  Just to have him here was a blessing.  In the evening we watched some programs and visited at mealtime. I am grateful for my family who cares for me so well. I am truly blessed. Thanks to you who remember me in prayer. I appreciate it. 

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

SPEECH/SWALLOW REPORT

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.


To please our Lord we must use faith; without it we are lost,
Grace mingled with faith is what saved us; He paid the cost .
As believers we have come to Him, and He rewards us all,
This is the blessing He bring to His own, as upon Him we call. (RP)

My session yesterday with the speech/swallow specialist resulted in this: She is happy with my progress. She does not want to "push" things too quickly concerning the swallow test, as we wait to see how my vocal cords will respond to their last tweak March 7. In the meanwhile she has had me on smoothies, twice daily - two ounces each time. So far  nothing has happened to me health-wise to indicate the product is going into the lungs. But we still do not  know this. She added to my diet, yogurt, pumpkin pie, potatoes and gravy, and cream of wheat. All these are in two ounce servings, twice daily, as I am attempting to learn how to ingest things via my mouth.  I will do this before the tube feedings. So, I have quite a regimen, which will add more time to my feeding time each day. I am grateful for all who pray for me

Monday, April 23, 2018

RAWLIE

Matthew 5:13  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

Living for Jesus as the salt of the earth is a day-to-day privilege for each,
And the way I live my life this very day, by all means will lessons teach.
So help me dear Lord as I move throughout this day to always honor you,
And I will know that with Your help my testimony to others will be true.  (RP)

Rawlie left his church in Stanwood, and drove right to Ferndale yesterday. He stopped to pick up a few snacks on the way. I haven't eaten anything I had stored here in the house for the last almost four months. Peg-tube feeding resolves this. Rawlie works for his company on his laptop from my house. Fortunately I have a good Wi-Fi system, which he needs to accomplish his business. It is nice having his company. We have some business matters to work out also, if time permits. I enjoyed a delightful morning at church yesterday. Now I get on with the week's activities. I do have a speech/swallow therapy session this afternoon also. Thanks for your prayers.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

TAKE IT EASY DAY

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Believers in Jesus are blessed indeed with the benefits we have to enjoy,
Each one should be sought and desired, so begin right now and employ.
The Holy Spirit gifts Christians with these beautiful graces; how glad we are,
We give thanks to Him for these precious things; practice them near and far.  (RP)

I decided to take things easier yesterday. I even went to the local store thinking it was the day to have them help me put some flowers in the containers I always use. Well, I missed that help by a week. Now I will look elsewhere.. I did a little work on next week's Bible study, and studied for pastor's Sunday School class this morning. I also mopped both bathroom floors and did some vacuuming (or sweeper) work in the family room and dining room. That combined with four feeding periods and 270 routines of therapy for speech, swallowing, and shoulder, bedtime was approaching. Thank you so much for your prayers.

Saturday, April 21, 2018

BOOK REPORT


Deuteronomy 10:21 He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.

Every day we look around us and see all the things God has done,
And we stop in utter amazement, and give praise to His dear Son.
How wonderful to know that He is our praise, and to him we owe all,
So in thanks for His salvation so great, in worship we at His feet fall.  (RP)

Beside the blessing of Bible class yesterday, I had the joy of doing quite a bit of work on my book. I have been so neglectful of it, and am embarrassed about it. I guess coming out of surgery, and no longer having the encouraging prod from Margie, has contributed to the delay. But there is no excuse. I have to find more pictures to include in the book because we are allowed a set number. To find them I will have to examine about four or five external hard drives containing information we stored while working for Shepherds.
Thank you for your encouragement and prayer for these things.

Friday, April 20, 2018

NO SLOW DOWN


And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
Lu 6:31
We yearn to be treated so well by all men,We expect it and go our way.But Jesus remind us again and again, to receive we give back, and not sway.  (RP)

I thought I was ahead yesterday, but after 9 last night I was still working on things for TODAY. Oh well, it is okay because maybe in a few days I will get caught up with everything. This morning is Bible study, and I look forward to it. I want to do more on my book this afternoon, and hope I can. I would love to get  it off to the publisher as soon as possible, but there is still plenty to do even though it has been written for a long time. Thank you for praying. 

Thursday, April 19, 2018

HANGUPS

John 15:5  "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Abiding in Christ is a privilege we have, like nothing else there is,
This relationship is vital, if we really want to have what is His.
We the branches know He is the vine, and keep ourselves this way,
Knowing that He alone helps us do everything, otherwise we go astray. (RP)

It seems that there are days like that, when it is hard to finish any given task with ease. Yesterday was that for me. I had trouble getting all my therapy sessions in for swallow, speech, and shoulder. But at the end of the day, I had finally worked them all in.I was also pushing to finish everything for the Bible class on Friday, but did not complete it. Today I have to, so that is my goal. Thanks for your faithful support in prayer.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

ELDERS

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

A mandate so clear for all to understand is this message today,
God came for a reason to this world, and for it He had to pay,
With His precious blood on Calvary, He paid sin's price for me,
And from this offer to save a soul, we pray no one will flee.
Let us pray today for those who preach this message so sweet,
And keep on giving so all this message of eternal hope repeat.(RP)


I was honored to have the elders meet in my house for their meeting last night. It makes it nice for me especially with my tube feeding necessities. I was able to serve them some snacks and our meeting went well. In the midst of our time, I received a call from one of the members of the Friday Bible class at the Ferndale Senior Activity Center that her husband (Dan)  had died in the E.R. of a heart attack. I prayed with her and will be talking today with her some more. Her name is Julie Isaacson, Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

ROUTINE


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)

Routine is not boring, because one is doing activities that contribute to something positive.  I have plenty of routine, but it does not get the best of me. Studying for the next class, infusing food into the Peg-tube in my stomach, therapy to help me learn to swallow and speak correctly, and now to help my left shoulder have less pain. So what, all of it is good, and I face each day with the above challenges, which are to me a blessing. Thanks for praying.





Monday, April 16, 2018

SUNDAY BLESSINGS

Philippians 2:3-4  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

It is easy in our fast-paced world to forget some important things,
But in this verse we are dutifully taught what a wrong attitude brings.
Selfishness should be put away, and conceit should never be,
Let humility rule in your heart, dear friend, then you will readily see.
When your interest in others is part of your life, this is a noble move,
And our heavenly Father will see the change, and certainly will approve, (RP)

What a blessing to be able to attend Sunday School and worship service yesterday. I was able to stay for a few minutes after the service, visiting with folks, then headed home for my next infusion of nutrients via the Peg-tube. I was able to do some advance work on my next Friday's Bible study class. Then I spent a great deal of time looking for the proper computer software program called OCR ( Ocular Character Recognition). These program can read a printed page, and make it so I can edit and change it just like any document in Microsoft Word. Some are good and others are poor. I have had some of each through the years. Thank you for your faithful prayer support. I appreciate it.

Sunday, April 15, 2018

CATCH-UP DAY

Mark 12:44  for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."

We learn so much about others, as we read God's word each day, 
Here Jesus spoke of a poor one, who gave all without a single delay.
Giving to God is a spiritual step, that many have not learned to pursue,
I trust they will learn to invest in His work, and always follow through. (RP)

Now and then I try to take a "catch-up" day, I had not planned it that way, but that is the way it turned out. I had some things on the list, but never checked them off. Have you had days like that? I paid a bill online, then spent a good deal of time trying to find online a software program, to replace an old and non-working one on  my laptop. I was not successful, so will have to continue that search some other time. It was a rainy, windy day yesterday so it was very nice just being able to stay home. I was honored also by a lovely visit from two church members. Thank you for your prayers. 

Saturday, April 14, 2018

TUBE TROUBLE


For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.    Heb 4:12

The Word of God is a special tool designed by the Lord of love,
To direct our way to do His will and give us help from above.
Its x-ray look into our hearts, reveals exactly who we are,
And we can never escape its power whether we are near or far.I 
So dear believer read His Word and let it speak to you,
And give your life His joy so full both now and all year through. (RP)

The Peg-tube installed in my stomach, was needing cleaning. I removed it like the first time I had to work on it, and this time the small syringe nozzle stuck in the entry side of it.  I had quite a time removing it. Finally with a very sharp-pointed ice pick, I got it loose. I was so glad and thanked the Lord when that process was over. The Bible class yesterday was a blessing to me. The loud speaker helped me through the class without straining my voice. We even had a new person attend the class. In the afternoon I transferred sixty more chapters into the final manuscript for my book. Thanks for your faithful prayer support

Friday, April 13, 2018

IT'S FRIDAY


For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? I Cor. 4:7

The Word plainly states what we have is from Him,
So we better give Him His due,
For boasting is sinful and God is not pleased
When His honor we do not pursue. (RP)

The week goes so quickly. Have you noticed that?  Maybe it has something to do with ones age. I was glad to get all preparations made for the Bible class yesterday.  Soon it will be four months since I started this round of trips to Swedish hospital in Seattle, thanks to Rawlie who helped me so much. Yesterday I was down to almost one day of infusion nutrition, but UPS in the afternoon brought my next supply. One thing is for sure. I do not have to be concerned about what I have for my next meal, because I "eat" the same thing, four times a day. No complaints. Thanks for praying. 


Thursday, April 12, 2018

SCHEDULES

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. 

A Christian's treatment of others is so very important in this life.
It solves so many of our problems and lessens so much strife.
These things we are asked to do, are commands for us today,
And Jesus is the starting point, who forgave us without delay.  (RP)

Scheduling is an important part of ones life. I am so glad I learned to us my cell phone calendar. It faithfully lets me know when an event is coming up that involves me. I had to learn to use this handy item, but it pays off wonderfully. When things are really rushed, I can set another program to sound an alert, which snaps me to attention, thereby not missing my next appointment. I would never have dreamed that at the start of my 87th year, I would be so busy. But our loving Lord knows the reason why I am still here. There is only one reason: to keep on serving Him. I am grateful I can, and I give Him all the credit for getting me to this point. Thank YOU for your prayers.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

SPEECH THERAPIST REPORT

2 Timothy 2:15  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

In our service for the Lord as we teach and preach and live,
There are things we must not do; these we cannot forgive.
Our work for Him must be honest, diligent and approved,
And once we do it His way, it must never be removed. 
Those who choose to follow Him will never be ashamed,
And he will correctly teach God's word as it is proclaimed. (RP)

The speech therapist was pleased with my progress, but still wants me to exercise those swallowing muscles, before we do another test. That will come in the next few weeks. She said all that I am doing is definitely helping my speaking ability, which is good to hear. With my rotator cuff tear therapy routines, my daily count of therapies has risen to 270. That along with the length of each meal, makes for several hours. I am trying to work everything in each day along with other duties, and appointments. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

MORE THERAPY

1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.

We owe Him everything, because of who He is,
What will your answer be, if we gave you a quiz? 
We are not the first in anything; God started it all,
Because he FIRST loved us: He made the call. 
And in gratitude before Him we humbly fall.  (RP)


I added yesterday more routines to my therapy sessions at home. My left shoulder has a torn rotator cuff. (ouch),  It makes sleeping a chore instead of pleasure. The therapist remembered me when I was pastor. He was very helpful and I have several sessions with him and his staff. So today I will start those routines, combined with the swallow therapies. That should keep me out of mischief for awhile. Incidentally, I will report on my session with the speech and swallow specialist tomorrow. Thanks for praying. I do not take you for granted.  

Monday, April 9, 2018

MY VOICE

Psalm 61:3-4 For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.  I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. 

God's protection is always the best, no matter where we are,
And it gets better all the time, if we are near or far.
A shelter is He, and strong tower too, for we who are in need,
And to rest under the shelter of His wings in a blessing indeed.  (RP)

I was naturally encouraged at church yesterday, when so many were impressed and happy with my voice. Over and over again people commented on it. I was unaware of how people noticed the great difference in a few weeks how my voice has strengthened. The remark that was noticeable to me were the several who stated my voice was needed, so I can keep on serving the Lord. This is exactly my prayer. I see only one reason for such a good recovery thus far:  so I can keep on serving the Lord. This is my desire. Thanks to all of you who pray for me. I appreciate you greatly. 

Sunday, April 8, 2018

GETTING THERE

Joshua 1:9  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 

God comes to us with commands that seem impossible to keep,
Just remember, He is he Shepherd, and we are His sheep.
The things He orders us to do or be, are all within His power,
Trust yourself to His loving care, and at his words, do not cower, (RP)

I have noticed lately I have to push myself to get at our new book that hopefully will go to publisher one of these days. Laurel Hicks, editor, has been a great encouragement to me, and I appreciate it greatly. I worked on it yesterday, and recounted again the many wonderful experiences God gave Margie and me as we traveled for Shepherds. I only have a few more chapters to move into the main manuscript, and then I am closer to sending it for review. Thanks to you who have been with me through my recovery. Now, maybe I can step up efforts to get the job done.  Thanks for your faithful prayer support.

Saturday, April 7, 2018

FIRST DAY BACK IN CLASS

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

In this life we are learning much about how to live this way,
There is so much we do that requires sight; we live it every day.
But in Christ there is more to have; the faith walk is what He asks
And some may have trouble with this, thinking it an impossible task.
Just think of all the promised things we are given in God's word,
These we cannot see, and to some they may appear to be absurd.
But to those who are trusting the Lord, He gives help for every thing,
So keep walking by faith, believing His word, and to His promise cling. (RP)


My report of yesterday's first time back in the "classroom" since December 29, 2017 is this:  I had a table on which I placed my briefcase. That was my "pulpit". In front of the briefcase I put the loud speaker Rawlie bought for me for such a purpose. I sat on a stool I brought from home. It had no back so I had to sit upright which was a little tiring, but it worked out okay. The volume of the speaker was perfect. All heard me, and I did not have to strain, to be heard. It was a joy being back in class again. The class welcomed me back heartily. I am grateful for Tom Knight who covered for me all the time I was in recovery. I finished the class and was not tired. Thank you for praying for me. 

Friday, April 6, 2018

THE TEST

Matthew 17:20  So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

How important is the lesson in our verse today,
I have much to learn, as I move from day to day.
I pray God will teach me how to trust Him more,
So I can depend on Him more than ever before. 
Help me Lord to learn Your ways, and give praise,
And wholly trust your providence in all my ways. (RP)

Today is test day. I am excited, and trust all will go well at the Bible class. The class members have been so supportive through my surgeries. And Tom Knight has so willingly taught the class in my absence since January. I appreciate it so very much. Thank you for standing by him and also your prayer support for me. I will give an account tomorrow in the blog how things went today. Thank you.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

TEACHING

Ephesians 5:17  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.


If God wills, is often in our speech; this is what we want most of all.
We want His will for our life in everything, whether great or small.
To know we are walking in His will is indeed a treasure to seek,
This is for His children; no matter if you are even very weak.
So read God's word, and pray each day, seeking His loving will.
You will be the winner, and each day for you will be a thrill. (RP)

It was a pleasurable exercise for me, getting ready for my Friday class. I actually never knew if I would have the privilege of teaching again. I thank the Lord for gifted men (doctors) who know about these things, and can restore voices that are weak. So with anticipation, I look forward to Friday's class. The doctor told me to use the microphone  and loud speaker my son Rawlie got me when my voice was a whisper. Thank you all for praying. I will give a report Saturday morning how the class went. 

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE

Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 

It is quite amazing to say the least that we could imitate God,
We need this reminder from time to time just to give us a prod.
No one can love as God loves us, but for this we can always strive,
And this our goal should always be as long as we are alive.
To love like Him is an awesome goal, so why not try it today.
Be loving in all your goings-on; let your light shine in every way. (RP)

Blessings come in all sizes, and manners. As I was paying bills yesterday, I realized my food supplies are limited to only one thing: a 8.45 ounce container from the Nestle company. I infuse 8 of them daily in my Peg-tube attached to my stomach. That's all I spend for food. With the insurance, I pay only a small percentage of the cost. It is quite amazing how they get into those containers, evidently all I need to maintain a good healthy life. People say I look okay, sound okay and they say my blood pressure is like a teen ager. So I praise the Lord for His care for me. I have no complaints. I have no hunger pains. I am content. The only thing I miss is the taste of food, but with no hunger, it matters not.  Thanks so much for praying.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

WHAT IS GOING ON?

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

How beautiful it is to follow Jesus, as a blood-bought child of His,
Is is beneficial for one to do this: I can tell you friend, it surely is.
Just look at all the benefits that come right to any child of God.
The Holy Spirit gives us gifts, more beneficial than any squad
Go through this list and thank him now for giving them to you,
Ask Him daily for help to honor Him through and through.(RP)


One would think I am falling apart with all the surgeries and things that are going on, but in reality I am just trying to get in better shape so I can serve the Lord. I   really was not sick when Margie was with me, but there were some signs of something that was coming. I will chronicle these some day. To me it tells the story. Yesterday I saw my  orthopedist regarding my left shoulder pain. He immediately, upon looking at the x-rays and doing some tests on me, said that it was a torn rotator cuff, He also said there would be no surgery. Instead, he gave it a shot. I already slept better last night because of it. He also ordered therapy. So by degrees I might get my health better so I can keep on working and serving. This is my desire. I feel fine, people say my voice sounds great, and they even say I look ok. That may be questionable!  But I sincerely thank you for praying. 

Monday, April 2, 2018

WONDERING

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

When a lost soul comes to Jesus, a transformation takes place,
God saves him and frees him forever by his matchless grace.
To have no condemnation on your life, is a marvelous thing,
Those who make this decision instantly have joy and sing.
New control takes over his life; he is led by the Spirit, not flesh.
And the best of all he repeats this, because daily he can refresh. (RP)

So many remark about my stronger voice now. It is a blessing to have it. I remember after surgery it was not much better than a whisper. Now I know that what you hear is probably only temporary, but as I have said many time, God is able to turn the temporary into permanent. This is my prayer, if it is His will. That is the most important thing. I had a dream last night I was eating some goodies and all of a sudden realized I am not supposed to eat. Maybe someday. The speech and swallow teacher is having me swallow  4 ounces of smoothie each day during my therapy. I admit it is good, but I always have that gnawing feeling about where it is going. This is something new for me, as I inwardly fear the product is going into my lungs instead of my stomach. I just have to trust the wisdom of the professional, and of course the Lord. I  want His will above all else. Thanks so much for praying.