Lately

I can without a doubt count myself a blessed person. This might seem a strange statement from someone whose husband just started chemo therapy this week.

The Boo's chemo schedule is that he does five days in a row, then gets two weeks off. Tomorrow he will complete his first week of chemo and is very happy to embrace the two weeks that will follow. We have felt very strong, optimistic, and faithful all week.

Thus far we have been lucky that the side effects of the therapy have been minimal. His first ones I actually laughed at a little... it was the hiccups. Today the nurse didn't give him one of his medications to see if that would help the hiccups, and unfortunately he is feeling a bit off this evening. Nothing too serious, but very tired and just not feeling like himself. He is currently passed out on the couch, with our small gray kitty, Lizzie, snuggled up next to him. I am just thankful that he is getting some rest.

When I got home today, after having a rough day myself, and seeing that Billy wasn't feeling too well, my heart broke, and I began to cry. I could feel myself falling into Despair's hands. Then Billy opened his mouth and began to pray aloud. I can't remember what he said. And you know, it doesn't really matter. But God moved, and when he finished praying I found myself able to laugh and smile. Hope had filled my heart, and God's promises were fresh in my mind.

It was a good reminder that the enemy loves when we are down, and he doesn't hesitate to kick us while we're there.

As this week draws to a close, my eyes have been opened to see the blessings that surround me more than ever before. Like the watchful shepherd, my heavenly Father has led me to green pastures and still waters.

Your prayers are as precious as gold; they hold us together and carry us on.

Blessed, so very blessed are we ... to say those words while facing an adversary is strange.

God works everything to my good. Also strange, but also true.