It has been a very long trial for which I actually am thankful for.  Yes, it was most distressing while it was happening but the Lord brought us to this point in this trial and we have been in awe of His goodness.  No, I wouldn't have chosen this trial and all it involved before I knew the outcome but it has been a huge growth and blessing experience. Isn't that just the way the Lord works?  If we knew we'd cower with fear but taking one moment at a time and learning to trust Him more is Glorifying to Him and growth to us.

The fall that broke the back, the passing out, the hospitalizations, the tests, the brace, the months of getting up every 2 1/2 hours to 'walk' him has all been an instrument to bring us closer together as a family and closer to the Lord.  My husband couldn't get out of bed himself nor could he take care of any of his personal needs.  Someone had to be here at all times.  I would have to help him in the bathroom and shower him etc.... He couldn't bend, lift or twist at all.  There were some things that others just couldn't do for us but they filled in the gaps.  One family took over weeding our garden.  The first day we needed to get in 850 bales of hay we didn't know how the girls and I would do it.  One of us had to stay home with hubby.  The girls called from the hay field and told me that people just kept on showing up! By the time the haying was in full swing there were 17 people and 4 trucks!  The farmer baling the hay told us it was the most fun he'd ever had.  Then some came back for another day!  It was so incredible and what a testimony to others around! 

One really neat thing about 'hay-day' is that folks from our church came but folks from other churches as well.  I think in this day many conservative churches only fellowship within the 4 walls of their building and don't reach out to the bretheren.  We're going to share eternity why not share earth?  Yes, I understand if there is major doctrinal differences or moral differences but I have been very blessed by the outreach of many.

  I have had to swallow a lot of pride and ask for help both physical help and financial help.  God's people have come through incredibly.  With no income and no savings left at this the 7month anniversary of my husband falling and breaking his back ALL OUR BILLS ARE CURRENT!!!  We even received a call the other day that a brand new refrigerator was being delivered this month for us!!  (Ours has been making very strange noises and leaking water out the back and cold air around the seal.  We were told that it would be at least $200 for a seal for a 24 year old refrigerator)

Now you see why we are praising the Lord!  My husband's back is healing and he has had a trial week of work.  He has to see the doctor about some pain issues still but should be okay to go soon.

PLEASE pray for work to come in.  It's not good for a self-employed carpenter to have to give away jobs in the summer and not be around in the fall to set up winter jobs.  The Lord knows though and is ready to teach us some more of His Grace and Mercy.  Although trials are hard we are open to His Will.

The girls have survived as well.  We did a LOT of canning and freezing.  Anything anyone gave us we found a way to use.  Sometimes a box of food would arrive with things we don't generally buy and the girls would start looking for recipes to use them in.  We have not starved!

On more of a school note.  We are planning a young ladies literary luncheon!  The theme will be Virtuous Maidens with a Victorian decor.  The girls are to present some of their like-minded friends a homemade invitation with a copy of the book, "Stepping Heavenward" by Elizabeth Prentiss.  They wil be instructed to read chapters 1-10 ONLY and come for lunch and discussion.  I am so looking forward to this.  They hope to have 3 luncheons total to complete this book and then see about others.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who desires a more intimate relationship with the Savior!

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