SURGERY INFORMATION

Mark 10:45  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many

Jesus came to serve mankind by giving His life on the cross,

He came not for showmanship, nor living fancy with all the gloss.

He came to serve us and that He did, by dying for you and me, 

And all who come and bow at His feet, His love they all will see.

Jesus died for sinners, and all who receive Him, find sweet peace.

In Him is everlasting life and all who trust Him their joy will increase. (RP)

I check into Swedish First Hill, 747 Broadway, Seattle, Washington, Thursday morning, January 4th, for a 8:45-9:00 am surgery. Projected time for surgery is three and a half hours. My son Rawlie will take me there, and I am grateful. Yesterday's mail brought confirmation from my insurance company for the removal of the thyroid gland, and surgery to rebuild voice box. I was told in the beginning I could lose my voice, but Dr Sniezek said it can be rebuilt. That was encouraging news. I thank each of you for your prayers for this day. I am asking folks to pray I will not have any negative reaction to the anesthesia. Of course on the top line of all this is: May the Lord's will be done. 

ICE STORM

But when Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36

The compassion of Jesus overwhelm us; His love for all is so deep,

He treats us as His heart demands, because we are all like sheep.

Jesus wants to be the shepherd of everyone who will come to Him,

And He will save and protect them and give hope that will not dim. (RP)

Yesterday we had an ice storm that lasted until early this morning. Falling trees and branches were numerous, and needless to say, we lost our power. I decided not to start up the generator. With a very bright L.E.D. lantern, I had all the light needed. The natural gas, heater in our family room requires no electricity, so it was nice and warm. Finally at 1:45 this morning, things returned to normal. Thanks for praying.

FRIDAY BIBLE CLASS

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Sometimes in life we think all has gone wrong, nothing works out for the good,

But we've forgotten one thing, God is in charge and He's often misunderstood.

For those who love God everything turns out well, and what a comfort is this,

And those who think that He's not done it right, then in fact they are remiss.(RP)

It will be nice to be able to have Bible class again this morning. My son is here with me, and we will have coffee together, then he will return home. This will be my last day for this class until after surgery sometime. I look forward to it. Thanks so much for praying. 

WRONG DATE

He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

 Prov 13:3

Words flow freely from our lips but this warning comes from God

You better guard those thoughts and words and not do things slipshod.

Foolish words will cost you much and the outcome is not good,

So take this caution seriously and you won't be misunderstood.(RP)

I corrected yesterday's blog last night, but only after everyone had seen it with the wrong date for my surgery. Here is the time of my surgery: January 4, 2018, 6:45 am check in time. I appreciate all who are praying.

SURGERY CONFIRMATION

"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."  Joshua 1:9

In this life we are so prone to fear and be dismayed with the way things go,

But God's Word comes to us like a light, to comfort us in our woe.

His strength and encouragement console us as we walk along the way,

And his presence is promised always,to keep us from going astray.  (RP)

Swedish Hospital called yesterday to confirm all regarding my surgery. Date: January 4th, check in time 6:45 for an 8:45-9:00 am surgery. A thoracic surgeon, Dr. Bogard will be on call to assist Dr. Sniezek. Surgery duration: approximately three and a half hours. My son Rawlie will take me to the hospital.  It is nice knowing things are in place for this event. Thanks so much for praying. Sorry I put wrong date in above but  corrected it at night. 

BACK TO ROUTINE

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!

How great is the sum of them!

 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;

When I awake, I am still with You.  Psalm 139:17-18

To realize that God thinks of me, is a fact more valuable than gold,

His constant thoughts to me, the number of them can't be told.

My heart overflows with gratitude when I think of His love for me, 

I cannot understand it all and from it I don't care to flee.(RP)

The title of my blog in no way implies that to do so is negative. I am sure most had a wonderful Christmas day. I surely did. My son stayed when his family departed for various activities Christmas Eve. It is nice having his company. He will be returning home today. We will have coffee together at Starbucks.  I am trying to find time to finish the work necessary for my next book. With Margie's passing and all the related issues with that, I have not had the time to dedicate to it. Now with my own surgery around the corner, I am still uncertain. I will do as much as I can. But now there is preparation for Friday's Bible class that has priority. Thanks so much for praying. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.  II Corinthians 9:15

We thank God everyday for blessings He bestows,

There are so many, who can count them, who really knows?

A gift each Christmas we'll not forget, is God's greatest one to us,

The unspeakable gift called Jesus, is for each of us a great plus.  (RP)

This is the first Christmas in decades we have not had our traditional brunch. Why? Because we did it yesterday. The family took advantage of my preaching at our  church, and we did it after the service. It went very well. There were 14 here to participate in the delicious brunch our family prepared. And I received a gift I never expected: a Keurig coffee machine. This morning Rawlie is going to show me how to get it going and we will have a cup while enjoying our breakfast. We had a wonderful time, and Margie was remembered. But she has it way better than we, because she is with the Lord. Thanks so much for your prayers.