That beautiful moment in SC, 3-4-02 extended and finds me with more joy today than you might imagine. Prayer does make a difference. And, THANK YOU. I do not remember ever before having my name called on a PRAYER CHAIN by a neighboring church group of women.Reflecting now, it seemed enough to face the holidiays once again with BEB. I have always loved making our colonial home in the country here replay the story of the Christ Child in the traditional way with lots of natural greeney and red velvet bows, candles, a Christmas tree (one such with Christian monograms carefully cross stitched and individually framed in brass circles--this was accomplished while the family was still young)in most every room, a dazzling silver star hung over a nativity scene at both appointed places , et cetera. Just a Christmas before my luncheon guest described Christmas here "like a Christmas card by a famous artist." This was extremely kind.
Instead of the hustle and efforts in waving my magic wand, there was pain, and sleepless nights. There was no chocolate yule log with glowing flame to announce dessert time. No trees with beautifuly wrapped packages. No electric train blowing steam, and whistling that sad lonesome sound around the family tree always inviting near the open fire place. The MD had said "Shingles"...elevated swollen leg with the rash taking over at the nerve endings and slowly moving around to meet the front side of my ankle. "No stress", the nurse said....ultracet for pain...Valtrex for the rash which was weeping as did my very soul and my constant tearing Belfro eyes. "This too will pass..." my saintly mother has been known to refer to in the Scriptures.
It was so. From day 04 (March) my pain became more tolerant, restful sleep came to me, and my energy level took on a noticeably incline the day Prayer Warriors arrived for the ten o'clock hour just this Saturday past.. ... As I recall now there was that sweet quiet sound of Christmas like I have never heard carols before ...the atmosphere was loving and meaningful with family voices engaged in conversation, laughter, and food fit for a queen. January passed quietly with me revisiting books like: PRAYER IS GOOD MEDICINE by Larry Dosey, MD and read by the Author...WHERE IS GOD WHEN IT HURTS, Philip Yancey.... WHY US? WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOD'S PEOPLE, Warren W. Wiersbe... and Edith Schaeffer's AFFICTION.
February found me at the computer long enough to prepare a three-fold
Valentine / newsletter type brochure(to acknowledge family and friends who gave me such wonderful support at Christmastime) simply entitled FEBRUARY - ALL ABOUT CHOCOLATES AND SWEET FRAGRANCE..."but thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him." 2 Cor. 2:14 NIV
March winds cause periods of time for listening, waiting, expectance, anticipation... as badly as I wanted to just die in the early 90s, somehow those who were here are now gone and I am the only living member of my immediate family. This phase of life, "living in a house beside of the road and being a friend to man(kind)...so troubled, weary, their strength almost gone...I'll help them to carry their load," is swiftly fleeting. A commitment in prayer.."Lord, teach me to pray!" Struggling, yet trying to be faithful... the next phase will be closing up shop, like the good secretary who picks up and folds away the equipment at the end of the 9-5 work day. Betty, Bert, and Bob and my extended family will go with me to the lovely retirement place and be sure that everything is comfortable. And the sign on the door will read: BEYOND BELIEF VS. BEB (Eph. 3:20-21 NT)
Do you ever know when to expect the neck condition..sensory trick? Too painful to touch, here in SC where the March winds are moderately moving about on Lake Keowee under overcast sky. Kitty
--modified by Kathleen Bowers at Tue, Mar 19, 2002, 11:23:30