...I have been laid up for the last three months, but as I slowly improve I realize all the more just how precious that time was with the Lord. It has been a time of learning, of quietness, of chastening...experiencing God's love, a time of meditation and prayer. It has been a good thing... It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Psalms 119:71

There were many times I wondered 'how can I do this?', which seemed strange, because I wasn't doing anything, but that was the problem! Suddenly, I went from living a busy life to laying in bed, being waited on, no more housework to do, no more cooking, no more anything. Sounds pretty good doesn't it -- I was living a life of leisure. But I thought, Lord, you have touched one of the hardest things in my life -- slowing me down.  Suddenly I realized just how precious it was to me to be able to take care of the daily responsibilities. I wanted to take care of my family. Ladies, you can't imagine how much bending you do unless you can't do it any more.

There were days I was cast down, in distress, but God was always faithful in His mercy and grace as He showed me in His Word, ...thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalms 42:11

May I take this time to thank all of you for ye did communicate with my affliction... Philippians 4:14 through cares, scripture, prayers, gifts, house cleaning, meeting personal needs, flowers, visits, phone calls, and meals. A special thank you, first of all, to my wonderful family who lovingly pitched in taking care of all the daily responsibilities of home and me and then to our church family. It has been my prayer that you have been blessed in you giving.

May I take this time also to share a burden I have. As I read my husband's article (see -----) I realized once again how thankful I am, first of all for God's mercy and grace that He bestows on each of us and secondly, how much we need it!

I know there are women who live daily with hurts in their marriages, and my heart aches for them, but I'm coming to realize that we can be each other's greatest enemy as we tend to share with each other and sympathize with each other. Are we really helping each other, or are we fueling the fire of discontent? I know what it is to spend hours in tears; wanting to run away, even die. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17

Dear women, we all need to look at whatever situation we find ourselves in right now (good or bad) and pray as our Lord prayed, He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. Matthew 26:42 As we choose to see that God is with us and wants to bless us even in the worst situations, we can find the peace which passeth all understanding, Philippians 4:7. Get into God's Word and claim His promises -- they are God's personal gift to you, Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. All things.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. All needs: emotional, physical, and material.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. All things.

2 Chronicles 20:15, 17  And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's...Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. The battle is not ours, but God's!

Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Joy comes!

Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. I will be with thee.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. God's grace is sufficient, whether I think so or not.

Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. All things are possible.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. We shall reap!

Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. God delivers us from our afflictions.

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; God works for us!

These are just a few of the exceeding great and precious promises I've found.  Get into the Word yourself and be blessed. I'm still learning -- learn with me.