Wait

        Now I will admit that one of my many shortcomings is that I hate to wait ... for anything.  Waiting for someone or something often drives me crazy.  I guess I just don't have enough patience.

          I get upset when I need to wait on the phone to talk to a "live" person.  I get upset when I need to wait in traffic.  I get upset when folks don't meet my deadlines and I need to wait for their responses.  I get upset when I need to wait in lines in stores for service.  I get upset when I try to get an appointment and I need to wait a month or more to get one.  But one of the things that upsets me the most is waiting to be seen by a doctor when he/she is running behind with appointments.

          Recently I was having pain that concerned me so I made an appointment for that afternoon with a family doctor.  Then I waited there for 45 minutes to be seen.  In this case a computer problem put them behind schedule - at least that is what they told me.  

         Then I was told that I needed an ultrasound that day.  So I was sent to the referral department where I waited another 20 minutes to be served.

          The referral office told me that because their imaging facility closed at 4 pm I would need to go to the Womens and Babies Hospital for the ultrasound.  But the appointment there was not until two hours later.  So more time to wait.

        But that wasn't the end.  I waited another 45 minutes for the test.  Then, since the order was stat, I had to wait in the waiting room after the test until the doctor called me with the results.  That wait was another 45 minutes and that wait was worse than the others because I was concerned about the results, which incidentally turned out to be fine.

         Two days later I had to see a specialist for another problem.  There I waited in one of his rooms for 70 minutes for a 10 minute visit.  I think that visit should have been free because of my wait.  Isn't my time important too?

          I recently had to schedule appointments with two more specialists.  After I survived their office answering systems I found that I would have to wait from six weeks to two months for an appointment.  I guess that I need to learn to wait patiently.  Probably that is the best way to handle things and it certainly is better for your blood pressure and nerves.

          But a more difficult problem can be waiting for God to answer our prayers.  Sometimes we want instant answers and we get impatient waiting.  But God does answer - in His time, in His way.

          The Bible gives numerous examples of those who had to wait for various things.  Jacob had to work and wait an extra seven years for Rebekah when he was tricked by Laban.  Moses lived in the wilderness until God was ready to use him. Mary and Martha waited for Jesus when their brother, Lazarus, was dying. David often expressed frustration when he felt the Lord had forgotten him and he had to wait.  But he too found that the Lord doesn't forget His children and He answers but in His time and in His way.   We just need to learn to patiently trust Him. 

          In Psalm 27:14 we read, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart, wait, I say, on the Lord."  And that is excellent advice.  

         Psalm 25:5  "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."

          Psalm 33:20 "Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield."

          Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry."

          Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

          So Lord, enable me to run and walk and not be weary or faint, like the eagles.   Help me to be able go relax and use for your good the times that I must wait.

(1)  I trust in God wherever I may be,

Upon the land or on the rolling sea,

For, come what may, from day to day,

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

(2)  He makes the rose an object of His care,

He guides the eagle thru the pathless air,

And surely He remembers me,

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

(3)  I trust in God, for in the the lion's den,

On battlefield, or in the prison pen,

Thru praise or blame, thru flood or flame,

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

(4)  The valley may be dark, the shadows deep

But O, The Shepherd guards His lonely sheep;

And thru the gloom, He'll lead me home

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.       

A Lost Pleasure Of Life (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on June 5, 2010

          Last year we remodeled our bathroom. We spent weeks selecting all the right fixtures, tile, fans, paint, etc. We were excited to watch the work progress and when they were finally done, we were very pleased. That is, we were very pleased until we tried to take a bath. 

          We hadn't realized that modern tubs weren't nearly as deep as the ones which were installed fifty years ago. We thought the sizes were standard. 

         We quickly found that one couldn't recline in the new tub and expect to be covered by water as had previously been the case. (Of course, maybe if I lost 75 pounds it might be a little different). 

         Now we love our shower, we really do. But, comfortable, relaxing baths are no longer possible for us. And I really do miss a good relaxing bath, especially when my muscles ache and my back hurts. But I am now a "shower person",  just not by choice. 

         However, recently we stayed in a motel and I thought that I would enjoy the luxury of a relaxing bath while we were there. While the tub was large enough, it was low, and I encountered my first problem trying to get in. I quickly discovered that there was nothing around to hold on to and getting a firm grip on the side of the tub was nearly impossible. But finally I managed to get in - very slowly. 

          Then the next problem developed. The bottom of the tub had anti-skid material applied and it worked. I couldn't move, let alone skid. It felt like I was stretched out on rocks or broken glass. It was painful to move, but I thought I'd just rest my head on the back of the tub and lie still to avoid the "pain". But guess what? The ledge was so narrow that you couldn't rest your head on it. Unbelievable! 

          So I decided it would be better to get out ... and take a shower. But, alas, getting out was the next problem. As I said, there was nothing to hold on to and I couldn't pull myself up. I imagined the fire company coming to pull me out. Finally, I was able to roll over, enduring the scratching of the anti-skid material. Then I was able to lean over the side of the tub and roll myself out. Success and the fire company wasn't even needed. 

          So I've resigned myself to the fact that showers really are not too bad and that a good, warm, relaxing bath probably belongs to the good old days. It's amazing how we take some of the pleasures of life for granted until we no longer can enjoy them. 

          Oh yes, it's Saturday, so don't forget to take your weekly bath tonight. Enjoy! Guess I'll settle for a shower.

Valentines Day

          Valentines Day - a day when we think about love.  My favorite story about love this year is a true one.  We are thrilled that our oldest granddaughter has just become engaged.  We have prayed for her and a godly spouse long before either of them were born.  God is so good!

          But I thought this year I would share a few stories and comments about love which aren't nearly as true or exciting but they are fun.  At least I think so.

     **    A bookseller conducting a market survey asked a woman: "Which book has helped you most in your life?" The woman replied, "My husband's check book!"

     **   A prospective husband in a book store: "Do you have a book called 'Husband: the Master of the House?'" Sales girl: "Sir, fiction and comics are on the 1st floor!"

     **   Someone asked an old man: "Even after 70 years, you still call your wife 'darling, honey, love.' What's the secret?"  Old man: "I forgot her name and I'm scared to ask her."

     **   During my brother's wedding, mother managed to keep from crying until she glanced at my grandparents.  Grandmother had reached over to grandfather's wheelchair and gently touched his hand.  That was all that was needed to start mother's tears flowing.  After the wedding mother told grandmother how that tender gesture triggered her outburst. "Well I'm sorry to ruin your moment," grandmother replied, "but I was just checking to see if he was still alive."

     **   Sally was driving home from a business trip when she saw an elderly woman walking on the side of the road.  As the ride was long and quiet she decided to stop and offer her a ride. With a silent nod the woman got into the car.  Resuming the journey Sally tried in vain to make some small talk.  The old woman just sat silently looking at everything she saw.  Finally the old woman asked "What's in the bag?"  Sally smiled and replied that it was a box of chocolate she got for her husband.  The woman was silent once again until she replied, "Good trade."

     **   Pharmacist to customer: "Sir, please understand, to buy an anti-depression pill you need a proper prescription ... Simply showing marriage certificate and wife's picture is not enough!

     **   When a married man says, "I will think about it," what he really means is that he doesn't know his wife's opinion yet.

     **   A lady says to her doctor: "My husband has a habit of talking in his sleep! What should I give him to cure it?" The doctor replies: "Give him an opportunity to speak when he's awake."

     **   An elderly man lay in a hospital with his wife of 60 years at his bedside. "Is that you, Ethel, at my side again?" he whispered.  "Yes, dear," she answered.  He softly said to her "Remember years ago when I was in the Veteran's Hospital?  You were there with me then.  You were with me when we lost everything in the fire. And, Ethel, when we were poor you were with me, too."  The man sighed and said, "I tell you, Ethel, you're bad luck!"

     **   Two older women were fussing about their husbands one day.  "I do wish Leroy would stop biting his nails.  That makes me terribly nervous!" the first one said.  "Oh my Elmer used to do the same thing," the other one relied.  "But I broke him of that habit." "what did you do?"  "I hid his teeth!"

     **   A woman goes to the newspaper office to see that the obituary for her recently deceased husband is published.  The obit editor informs her that there is a charge of 50 cents per word.  She pauses, reflects and then says, let it read "Fred Brown died."  Amused at the woman's thrift the editor tells her that there is a seven word minimum for all obituaries.   She thinks it over for a few seconds and says, "In that case let it read, "Fred Brown died.  Golf clubs for sale."

Memories (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on February 18, 2016.  

          Life changes quickly and unexpectedly.  It's good we don't know what lies ahead of us. We just need to trust the Lord for each moment of our lives.

         For a few years I just haven't felt right.  Numerous tests, visits to doctors and specialists, and even two back surgeries did not seem to find the cause.  I really began to think that it was a mental issue. Because of the way that I felt I did not enjoy being with folks and probably wasn't always a friendly guy to be around.

          Several months ago I began to have burning across my chest.  We felt it was coming from my arthritis.  I spent much time with a heating pad and tylenol.  One Sunday afternoon this returned, along with increased blood pressure, so we headed for the emergency room.  There they did all the normal tests for heart attacks and didn't find anything wrong.  They released me with the suggestion that I should talk to my family doctor and possibly have a stress test since it had been six years since my last one.

          Two of my family doctors didn't think I had a heart problem, especially since all my EKG's were fine and I didn't have typical symptoms.  But they sent me to my cardiologist who said the same thing.  In fact he felt my problem was more likely anxiety and he suggested some things to help with this.  But to be safe he sent me for an echo and a chemical stress test.

         I had both tests on a Friday and they sent me home with me thinking all was fine.  But on Monday I received a call that I needed to come back right away since there were some "minor" problems.  I saw another cardiologist who also felt that my heart was fine but recommended a heart cath just to be sure.

          So the Tuesday after a record snow fall we headed to the hospital for the heart cat. I thought that maybe I would need a stent which they would do at the same time.  However, after they concluded the cath I was told that I would need to see the heart surgeons since I had numerous blockages.  I needed major open heart surgery.  We were stunned.  They wanted to send me home until I could schedule with the surgeons but we felt that might be too dangerous.  So they admitted me.  Several hours later I was told that they could do the surgery the next morning.  They said there was a 99% of success since my heart appeared to be in good shape.  I didn't want to go home to worry about it so I told them to go ahead.

          On Wednesday I had about four hours of surgery.  They broke my breastbone and at some time had me connected to a heart and lung machine.  They ended up doing five bypasses.  They brought me back over a six hour period and I don't recall any of that time.  I was moved to ICU where I stayed for a day.

           Then recovery began and I was doing fine until I developed a rhythm problem which they say happens in about 30% of such surgeries.  So  my time was filled by nurses taking vitals and the introduction of new meds.  It was very discouraging and boring.  Then when they felt I was stabilized and they were ready to send me home, my heart decided to act up once again - for three hours.  So they kept me two more days for more meds, vitals and observation.  But, finally, after ten days, I was allowed to go home.

          My recovery was a real challenge, including  a problem with a mistake in medications, new pains and some unexpected difficult side effects, including numbness, pain and weakness in my left hand and arm.  That was discouraging.  But after several months, including 36 sessions of cardiac rehab, this cleared up.

          I believe that the Lord is in control and I have spent many hours with Him during this time.  And I believe that He allows these things to happen to teach us lessons we need to learn.  Unfortunately, I still don't know what lesson is being taught this time.  But I know that someday I will know.

         I have, however, been reminded of the value of prayer and friendships.  I have been touched by the many who have praying and the many cards of encouragement which I have received.  

Promises

        Recently I received a precious letter from a friend of mine who has been facing many challenges caring for an aging parent.  She shared how once again the Lord answered her urgent prayers concerning an urgent need, this time at the very last minute.  And God's supply was more than expected.  I was reminded of Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.:"  This is a verse that I learned as a child and have claimed so often.

          My friend shared how over many years she has seen God keep his promises and once again he has done so.  Psalm 37:25, " I have been young, and now old; yet have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

          Then my friend reminded me of a chorus we used to sing as children.

Every promise in the Book is mine,

every chapter every verse, every line.

All are blessings of his love divine,

Every promise in the Book is Mine.

If you are too young to remember it you might want to listen to this.  PROMISE

          Now I know a few of you might want to argue that not every promise is for us but I'm not going to get into that debate.."  Psalm 145:9 declares,  "The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."

          Psalm 100:5  "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations".

         James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows".

         Psalm 84:11  "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless".

         Isaiah 40:29  "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak".

         Isaiah 43:2  "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze".

          "Deuteronomy 31:8 "  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged".

         "Joshua 1:9   "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

          Philippians 4:6-7  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".

         Matthew 6:31  "Do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well".

         Matthew 11:28-30  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light"

         John 14:27  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid".

         John 14:1-3   'Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

         James 1:5   "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you"

        Psalm 145:18  "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

         "1 John 3:2   "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." .

         Philippians 4:19, NKJV.  "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

          It is good for us to continually review his promises.  At times it is so easy to forget them.  Personally I am going through one of those times when the challenges of life seem so overwhelming.  And then I am reminded of Philippians 4:6  "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,"  And He does and He will.

 1.     Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight

Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;

In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls

O'er my soul like an infinite calm.

Refrain:

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,

Coming down from the Father above!

Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray

In fathomless billows of love!

2.     What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,

Buried deep in the heart of my soul,

So secure that no power can mine it away,

While the years of eternity roll!

 3.    I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,

Resting sweetly in Jesus' control;

For I'm kept from all danger by night and by day,

And His glory is flooding my soul!

4.     And I think when I rise to that city of peace,

Where the Author of peace I shall see,

That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing

In that heavenly kingdom will be:

5.     Ah soul, are you here without comfort and rest,

Marching down the rough pathway of time?

Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark;

Oh, accept this sweet peace so sublime!