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.