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.