God

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;” Psalm 46:1-2 NKJV

Our family can testify to this.

In the last two years our family has experienced trails.

Anne broke her arm, hyperextended her thumb, and sprained her ankle.

Bell bruised her spleen, busted her knee open, recieved a concussion, and suffered through an ovarian cyst.

My husband has gone through extensive stretching from work related issues, including possible relocation and continuing reorganization within the company.

My health has broken down to the point of living separately from my family so our house could be remodeled only to find it isn’t worth the effort and our plans now are to rebuild.

The process of rebuilding has been grueling and we still have major circumstances which we are praying for God to orchestrate so we can move forward.

Our everyday has been so changed by all these unexpected trials.

Even to the point of discouragement, my husband and myself have walked through these things.

Yet, God.

No matter how frightening,

(the feeling in my heart as Bell was in the ER waiting to see if her spleen had been ruptured)

God is our refuge and strength.

No matter how frustrating,

(the experience of complete helplessness as I lay in bed, too sick to rise)

God is our refuge and strength.

No matter what comes,

(we are praying and looking for the Lord to build, because we do not want to do anything without Jesus in the midst)

God is our refuge and strength.

He is faithful.

Anne not only healed from her injuries, she was able to participate in both volleyball and basketball. She has learned to cook and how to plan for many meals. Her shyness has been placed underneath God’s will and she has been learning how to love people with everyday thoughtfulness.

Bell has walked through physical pain and learned how to endure. She has been training her body for this season of track, but has also found joy in learning to exercise, eat well, and be wise with the tent she is in. Her track season has been a fulfillment of the hours she has spent at the gym. And the Lord is using her to bless others in this same area. She has taken the initiative to finish high school and move on to college all on her own. She has left childhood and walked into adulthood.

My husband has been stretched and grown and softened and strengthened and become even more a man of God. His tender care of me as I have been physically reduced to tears and pain has been a greater treasure than a room full of the purest gold. His smile and love and fatherly guidance has been a joy.

Our son has learned how to do things we never would have thought to ask if there had not been need. He has improved so greatly in understanding how to help and serve another. He is gentle and kindhearted. He doesn’t like to see us hurting, but he’s working hard to help us feel better. And he’s reading! After all these years of struggle and torture trying over and over, he is reading on his own.

And just because God is so incredible, our family has been so blessed by the addition of our granddaughter Faith.

As for myself,

I’m learning peace, joy, and personal relationship with Christ like never before.

It is beyond any words of expression.

I can say we all are so thankful to the Lord for all He has done.

Our lives are a testament to how great God is.

Our family truly can state:

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.