Peace is not a smooth, untroubled river beneath a sunlit sky, serene and warm... The peaceful heart is like a trusting songbird who clings to hope and sings throughout the storm. -BJ Hoff

I have a dear friend whose life has been turned upside down recently, as much as mine has. Both of us, never thought we would be wrestling with the kind of pain we're dealing with today. Unimaginable pain! My heart breaks for her. I pray everyone who reads this blog would also lift a prayer for her and her family too, that she would experience the warmth and comfort of friendship, and be surrounded by peace, only God can give.

We met in the spring of our walk with the Lord. Shared the same first name, shared a deep friendship for a season, then parted ways, to follow and serve Him. I moved to Texas. She moved to Africa. After years of being out of contact, we've recently become reacquainted. Life is a little different now. We're both a little older...have witnessed many blessings, but recently have had the wind knocked out of us. We're both holding shattered dreams in our hands, wondering if we're going to survive. So many people are counting on us to survive. But the battle can get hard, and there are days when it would seem easier to just lay down and give up. There can be such deep loneliness when everything rests on your shoulders.

I'm grateful that God is bigger than anything that can happen to us. I'm relieved to know He'll never change. That He will never leave our side. That when we think we have reached the end of ourselves, He always sends someone to our side, to help carry us further.

I'm so grateful for all of you, whom God has sent to Mike's and my side. I praise Him for His comfort; His provision, His tender mercy. Please wrap your prayers around my dear friend, Bev. I would be deeply grateful.

Mike had a good day today. It was the first in several weeks that he got up, got dressed, and decided he wanted to eat breakfast at Cracker Barrel with his daughter and grandson. I celebrated and trembled all at the same time. Here someone was driving, whom I have been holding up lately, when he walks. I was glad to see the Miata parked safely in the garage when I came home at lunch to check on him.

The oncology lab called Mike today to let him know his Potassium level was elevated. They wanted to know what medications he might be taking that could possibly cause this. When Mike first relayed the message, he said his "protein" level was high, which had me concerned, because that was a term used often with the Ascites problem Mike experienced several weeks ago. But, we got the right word, and realized his Potassium level was probably high, because he had been prescribed Potassium to take. :) This was going to be an easy fix!!!

Mike had the best day that I've seen him experience in such a long time. It was such a blessing to see him doing well. Thank you so much for your prayers!