A bright glow just in time

6:29 p.m. Today's project was to get to the doctor ASAP and find out what is to be done about my every-other-day migraines! (If that's what they are). The Lord has kept me functioning on the most basic level thanks to the prayers of my family, friends and Mary Kay colleagues. He is so good--He gave me a new prayer partner yesterday: Cara, a vibrant young Christian girl whose testimony is compelling and her business achievements inspiring. She called to pray yesterday morning, having wanted to ask me for a while. But God is never early or late--He is just on time. And I was the one in much need, but wouldn't know it until 2 hours later!

Psalm 31:14-15a, my assurance for 32 years:

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."
My times are in Your hand.

I became violently ill during a tax appointment in Tustin, and by 11:30, I was ready to throw up, with a completely disoriented husband to care for and the distance between Tustin and Orange to Steve's sister Linda's home to drive for a planned lunch get together. I grabbed plastic bags from a gas station shop, and visited their bathroom, while Steve stayed strapped in the Jeep in a handicapped spot. Looking back to yesterday, I suppose I'm grateful for Steve's utter inabilitiy to undo his seatbelt or get out of the car on his own.

By the grace of God and the prayers of my daughters, Steve's siblings and my Mary Kay friends Laurie and Cara, I made it to Mike and Linda's home, where I promptly vomited and was put into a bed Linda had prepared. Steve's sisters Sharon and Linda, her husband Mike and daughter Kindra kept Steve entertained, fed him lunch and whiled away the two hours while I slept. The household dog Buddy came and cuddled with me and kept me warm while I fell into a deep sleep. Upon awakening, I smelled the good food and the brownies baking, but only sipped a few drops of water. We all visited, and Steve was very contented.

At the end of our visit, since we had to be mindful of the 91 freeway bcoming more crowded with every passing minute, Steve and I were given a large packet full of photos, class pictures, and report cards from Steve' s late mom's belongings.His sisters had put each of the four siblings' mementos in separate piles. We happily took them, thanked them all once agin, and made it home on the wings of prayer once more. 

Steve later opened his pictures, and is shown holding a Christmas gift he'd made for his parents in 2nd grade at St. John's Lutheran School. It says TRUST IN THE LORD ALWAYS and is signed "Steven K" in printing very reminiscent of our Steven's printing. 

A vibrant, sharp boy was pictured all through his school years, and I now have his newborn picture, too--looks very much like our newborn Kriss!

Before I called Steve over to join me, I just sat weeping over what has now become of him--mentally lost, becoming physically disoriented, unable to do any activities of life without being led by the arm, pointed in the right direction, and assisted to complete the task--even sitting in a chair. When I mentioned yesterday's wonderful visit to our caregiver, Steve looked at me quizzically. No memory of it whatsoever.At least the rest of us have a memory of the warmth and blessingof family togetherness.

Much as I wish we had enjoyed many more years of Steve at his best, a man who led his family to church each week, in prayer and evening devotions, and supported us all, our time is down to the wire. Our children are going on with their lives in God's way and timing also, visiting their dad as often as possible. My ministries beyond my care for Steve continue, again in God's way, a comfort during this time of losing my husband. Yet, Galatians 4:4 tells us that God sacrificed his only Son in His time as well:

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Verse 7 continues,

Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

We can trust God's timing!