"You Should Start a Journal. " Part 3

What a beautiful morning ! It is cool, (but not crisp yet) and the sun is showcasing a solid Carolina blue sky. The Lord is blessing us.

Here it is, October, 2013.  Nine years later and I am enjoying this blessing.  It has been a challenging year for our congregation and continues to be so. Much illness, work needs and some of  our friends and family have gone to be with the Lord. But even in the midst of all this God has blessed His people. Much prayer, love and encouragement has gone out  for the saints. Ah, What would we do if this were not so !! Praise Jesus that He intercedes  for us. For in His name we pray.

Much love, many prayers (from many places and hearts), so much encouragement and God's continual presence in my and the lives of my dear ones sustained me in 2003.  But, it was very frightening and one of the first things that I thought about was I am going to die...soon ! Although many rallied around me and were saddened and worried, no one can ever really know how it feels when you have a diagnosis of cancer. ( I feel sure that no one can under stand the pain of losing a beloved one fully either )

Although I was frightened, God was ever there , day by day.  Giving me comfort, sending encouragement through others , reminding me with scripture,  through songs, the very beauty of His creation !  Saying to me, I know....I know your heart ......I know your pain.....I know your weaknesses....and I know your fear.  His mighty arms were tight around me assuring me that It would be okay. No matter what the days ahead brought, He would see all of us through it !!

My dear husband was shocked and saddened but was still able to sleep soundly through the nights. ( Those of you that can do so are very blessed to be able to .  And I am very thankful that my hard and ever working husband can do this. )  But there were many nights at first when I lay awake at night and cried and wondered what the future held.  I was hesitant to wake him for I knew he needed his rest.  One night as I lay there softly shedding a few tears, our lab Blue, jumped up on the bed and lay down between David and myself. She put that velvety soft head on my chest and just lay there, giving me comfort in her own special way. It was amazing how peaceful it made me feel. (I know a lot of you are going.....Sleeping with a dog in your bed,,,,,!!)  It was not something we did on a regular basis, but there were several more nights when she climbed up to comfort me. You know God can even use a big ole yellow dog to show His love.

Blue would  crawl in bed with anyone who let her.  Especially the children..What dog wouldn't !?  She loved to be at all the parties.

 

Blue is over twelve now. All her siblings have passed away.  Today as I sit here writing this, she is laying at my feet panting with very labored breathing.  She has been fairly well, but just since yesterday has had difficulties breathing. Although you can tell that she is hurting from her arthritis , she rises painfully to her paws and follows me from room to room.  She does not want to be alone If this is her time, I pray that she will go quickly and in comfort. I sure vlove this ole yellar dog !!