...and hope beyond understanding.
I really can't pretend to know
how much more that I can take.
I spin and fall with every blow
and am pierced by a burning stake.
I cling to iron discipline,
that stern Churchillian mien
but hear a soft fell whispering
the survival's but a dream.
I rise to face the storm again
and rising comes the flood
to warn me of the days when
I'll be drowning in my blood.
It's hopeless, yeah, there's no denying,
but somehow, someway, I'm still smiling.
Music from R. Dean Tayor, with Indiana Wants Me..
hanks to Carol Ashby, Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart is back on Kindle, and will be available in paperback soon.
Friends are everything. I couldn't have done it.
Marley, the canine waif from Afghanistan, whom WE helped save, has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.
Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.
Oh how I hate what you’re going through! I simply don’t know what to say, so I’ll hush, log off, and pray for you instead. {{{{{hugs}}}}}
ReplyDeletePatti, hugs and prayers are the very best medicine!
DeleteThank you for these, and for being here.
oh sweet Andrew... it might not be what you want to hear, but please, this day, Go. Be with him in paradise. We're gonna be fine. Barb is going to be fine. You pups are gonna be fine. You have fought the good fight. Truly....... Enter into his rest. But until you do... we will continue to pray for you and Bard, and thank you.. and thank Him FOR you. <3
ReplyDelete2 Timothy 4:6-8 New International Version (NIV)
Delete6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.
(((((Andrew)))))
You are ready to accept that crown, my friend. We will meet you with joy at the Great Reunion.
Annie in Texas
Jane, your words mean more to me than I can say. Thank you for this.
DeleteI am ready.
((((((Annie!))))))
DeleteThe Scripture is perfect, and so heartening...thank you, rom the bottom of my heart.
Andrew, you still amaze me, but maybe I shouldn't be surprised, because your strength comes from the Holy Spirit within you. May you never lose your hope even as you struggle more and more. May you know God's Presence in a real and present way. Blessings and love to you and Barb and the doggies!
ReplyDeleteGayl, I am so grateful for your ords and loving prayers. The worse it gets, the more at peace, and the closer God is.
DeletePretty good deal.
Love and blessings back, from all of us!
Awww, Andrew. My prayers are with you, my friend. Despair can be a difficult thing. I cannot fathom the depth of your pain . . . physical, emotional, mental. But God . . . He is the God of hope. When you're not sure how to hope, He is still with you. I'm praying as you navigate the seeming hopelessness of your situation. I'm sending gentle hugs, friend.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, He is indeed the God of hope, and when I can't...I let Him do the hoping for me.
DeleteThank you so much for the prayers and hugs!
God be with you and help you in this pain. I can't imagine, I can pray, and my friend, keep writing. You inspire with blog and books.
ReplyDeleteClaire, praying the the very, very best thing...thank you so much.
DeleteAnd as I can. yes, I'll keep rwiting. there are things that have to be said, hard things for me to face, but in the hard there can be a healing.
It is true that your family will be okay, not the same but okay when God the Father takes you to Paradise. You will be missed and sought after.
ReplyDeleteI look for the day you no longer suffer and have complete peace, understanding of God engulfing love, the huge welcome home hug from Jesus, and the angelic cheers of welcome home.
Barbara, I'm so grateful for this lovely comment...truly, I'm just so glad for your friendship.
DeleteNo words. Only love. I pray it reaches you.
ReplyDeleteIt's here, Mary. Thank you so much!
DeleteAndrew, I could not respond to your reference to Severe Mercy on the other blog. I'll be seeking a library version to peruse. But I'm not sure it can compete with the grace you've shown under such extreme trial. Just sending love and prayers to you, my precious younger brother.
ReplyDeleteJudth, definitely try to find a copy. "A Severe Mercy" is a landmark work.
DeleteThank you so much for the love and prayers. They are appreciated, and needed.
You are suffering well and leaving us all an example to follow. You are showing us how very precious Christ is. Keep clinging to hope. Keep clinging to Jesus.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs and prayers for you and Barbara!
Rachel, thank you so much for this...I'm efintely holding on to Jesus, and He's holding on right back!
DeleteLove, hugs and prayers right back, from us to you!