We have to get all this Christmas stuff done, places to go, etc.–and the phone rings and it’s my stepdaughter. They had to euthanize one of their dogs last night. Not nice news. The poor dog was rapidly losing the ability to live with others: every little noise triggered her to attack the other dog. Fighting all the time, and fighting dirty, too. And Georgia had to deal with it all on a broken foot.
Stuff I have to write–but when? And the forecast is that beaucoup horrible weather will descend on us by Thursday. Oh, spiffy. Is our living room ready for a Christmas tree? That’s desperate sardonic laughter in the background.
Well, let’s start by going to the pharmacy to pick up Patty’s medications. And please don’t forget to pray for our friend and brother Mike, who needs to recover from less than perfect surgery. Please, Father–heal him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I somehow knew in church this morning that people here needed extra prayers — so I prayed extra hard. I even lit a candle for Mike and offered up my Communion for him. Lee and Erlene also got extra prayers.
And we can all use ’em!
Thank you for your prayers.
I feel like that picture right now, tired, just tired. A few days ago, I ate some food that should have been fed to the compost pile. I got food poisoning. Then I got the flue (or whatever it was) and am still recovering from that. On top of that, I still have great discomfort and pain from both surgeries. One of the surgeries was to implant a catheter directly into my bladder, for there was a blockage. The catheter is still there…it’s a bit “inconvenient”.
I haven’t for a few months now, been able to do much gardening or work outside. I had always spent a few hours each day making our road look like a garden. It bothers me to see all the hard work I have done over the years fall into disarray. If you don’t keep at it every week, remember, I live in the tropics, and all your hard work will turn into a jungle in short order.
Do not feel sorry for me, this is my life, and different troubles and events happen in everyone’s life. Some very agreeable, and some not so much. At times we witness the calamities that befall others, and say thank God that didn’t happen to me. You never know, it might someday.
God hasn’t forsaken me, but He walks with me each day, in sunshine and pain, in shadows and rain. During another time of trial and discouragement a few years ago I wrote the poem “Reflections.” It still holds true.
Rain on the just and unjust will fall,
And God with His mercy splashes us all.
At times the sunshine will make us feel glad.
At times the rain will not be so bad.
It has rained and poured at times in my life.
And thank God it wasn’t all in one night.
Joy and peace were sprinkled like dew.
Heartache and pain were far and few.
The cares of this life at times got me down.
But around every corner new joy did abound.
It wasn’t all laughter or sorrow, I’m glad.
There was plenty of both, so I don’t feel so bad.
At times in my life I asked, “God, why me?”
He said, “I’m the Good Shepherd,
And that’s how it must be.
My mercy and grace are sufficient for thee.”
God sees a far through darkness and light.
He knows what is good and He knows what is right.
God crafted the hills, the mountains, and plains.
How He made all, God’s Word does explain.
God sees every tear that I cry.
Through children and friends, He wipes them all dry.
With kind words and love the heart heals at last.
With compassion and peace contentment is cast.
The love of God, so wondrous and old,
With wisdom and mercy that cannot be told.
With thoughts high as the heavens above,
He looks down on us all with heavenly love.
Much thought must have gone into this; thank you, Mike. And we pray you get well soon.
Well, yes, some thought, but much more pain and a lot more discomfort…trust me on that. I wrote that sentence with a smile on my face, for my sense of humor has not left me, as of yet.