September 11th

I just noticed the date and realized I should take a moment and remember how it felt that day four years ago. Scared, uncomprehending the hatred shown to us, then peaceful, remembering that there is a plan and the Great Planner. And we read in the back of the Book who triumphs.

I salute and honor the many brave, selfless, incredibly hardworking servicemen and women who are doing something incedible to protect our freedom where it has been attacked. I pray that God will bless you with safety and may you come home soon, victorious. And I pray for wisdom for our leader, President Bush. Continue, Lord, to guide and counsel him in the decisions he must make.

I have only four more treatment left! The past two weeks have been the hardest yet but even then, it hasn't been as bad as it could have been. I look like a chipmunk because my face is swollen, my ears ring, I wake up with a headache, my legs are weak and I have a hair trigger temper (it's the steroids, really). Does it sound like I am complaining? I'm not, it's more like cataloging. Because...

I CAN think, see, hear, touch, smell, taste, laugh, walk, feed myself, read, teach my children, kiss my husband, breathe fresh air, sleep in my own bed, hug, speak, plan for the future, brush my own hair, hold my baby and so many other things. The things that bother me, bother me, but the things I can do, exhilerate me.

My verse of the day is Psalm 27:13-14. The whole Psalm is worth memorizing but this one verse is especially poignant for me.

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord."

I believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. In fact, I am seeing it every day. People praying for me. Uplifing me with encouraging words, cards, gifts. So many people I can touch. So, I am waiting and while I wait, I am praying that God would show me His goodness that is already here. Please join me in praying that the other part of this Psalm would take residence in my heart, that of learning His way more intimately.

Please continue to pray for my dear husband. He gets the brunt of my bad moods and his plate is full of child loving.

Joyfully,

Elyse