Steadfast Love Wondrously Shown

Last night seemed like any other night for us. Meg was tired from a busy weekend and went to bed around 9:30. We were having a lightning storm that brightened the sky. Around 10:15 Fred heard Meg breathing heavily and being restless so he went in to check her. The flashing of the lightning was affecting her. A little later I heard her having a seizure. As I sat there on her bed the words from Psalm 31 ran through my head, "But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'you are my God.' My times are in your hands." I coached Meg through, we have a routine now, I try to calm her and assure her that it is OK, when it is over I say the same thing "Are you OK Baby girl? it's OK Baby Girl, you are alright." Rarely can she respond or remember, but just in case she can, we talk to her. I sat with her for a while and watched her sleep peacefully. The lightning storms, both outside and in her brain had subsided. I felt the presence of the Lord with me, calming me, assuring me and reminding me that He is able to keep us from all harm. Our times are in His hands and nothing and no one can change that. We can rest in Him and trust in His divine sovereignty that all is well. The care we show to Meg pales in light of the care He shows to us.

This morn as I did my devotions the same Psalm was in my reading. A different verse in the Psalm read "oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have STORED UP for those who fear you." My heart takes comfort that His goodness is so full and abundant that it needs to be stored up. He is good, even in the storms and His love is steadfast even in our afflictions and the distresses of our souls (vs 7).

Coalie AKA Woof Biscuit

Today is a sad day around here. Coalie the Woofie Dog is ill and will be going to sleep this afternoon. It has been on our minds lately, but she really didn't seem to be suffering that much so we were struggling with whether we should do it or not. Last night she became ill and it is now very clear that we need to help her. It is sad to see her go. She was a good companion for the whole family especially in her earlier doggy years. We will miss her...

The 4th of July

Holidays!! I love them. Birthdays, Christmas, 4th of July! I love them all and look forward to each celebration. I specifically remember one 4th of July in Virginia Beach. We had taken the kids to Mount Trashmore, as we always did. As we were walking back to the car we were singing Patriotic songs and having fun. Tyler then asked me what the big deal was that we became independent. As I began the history lesson I was moved by the greatest freedom we have living in the United States of America...our right to worship God. I shared with him the wonderful gift we have to worship the true and living God and not be persecuted for it. We can proclaim God's truths and hear the preached Word and not fear that we will be tortured or have our children taken away. As we continued to walk I began to weep. Why, in the sovereign will of God, did I get to live here? I was overwhelmed by the kindness of God in my life. I am sure that my little boy heard much more than he cared to on that day, but hopefully he will remember that we need to set aside a time each year to remember the freedoms we have. We are warned in scripture not to forget all that He has done for us. So, on this 4th of July eat watermelon and flag colored jello. wear red, white and blue clothes, gather with family and friends and see the fireworks, but most of all let's all remember to ponder the very freedoms we are celebrating and give thanks to the One who made them possible. Happy 4th!