Monday, February 18, posted on Tuesday...
Day 36

The Good That's Come of It!

Here are some wonderful stories of good that has already come out of what the devil meant for harm.  David Dearborn's nieces were driving through Nashville when he called them on the phone to tell them about John.  They go to school with Karissa so he wanted them to know.  They pulled over to the side of the road just to pray for him.  That is so precious!

Eva and Larry Hale are often awoken by the Holy Spirit to pray for John during the night and they never feel tired in the morning.  They remember when John interceded earnestly for Larry when he was in open heart surgery so they are happy to return the favor for John.  Praise God!

Kim Shull got to talk to her son, Tom, who was friends with us all in Lebanon, Oregon.  When she told him about John, he later admitted to her that he felt compelled to bow on his knees in prayer for John, something he hadn't done in months.

One of our ICU nurses, Krista, was very touched when John and I prayed for her and with tears, thanked us.  I explained that we understand her tears!  When in ministry, it is especially significant when someone prays for US!

Our small and struggling Waynesville Church has been able to pull together and feel stronger.  They love us and have appreciated our almost weekly attendance.   But without our presence, they have taken on more responsibility and have felt strengthened to pull together and to continue their prayer vigil for us and for their church.  God has sent Jerry and Judy Johnson, a retired pastor and his wife, to provide some guidance and leadership for them.

Romans 8:28....We know that all things work together for good to them who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.

 Here's the last edition of my retreat report.  Angie Joseph and I are pictured here on the lookout down from the camp.  We saw an eagle flying over the water as well as a group of deer run away as we approached.

I've already reported on our supper and the pictures are included below.

Sunday breakfast was delightful as well.  It lasted me until 5 pm!

Several of us women had stood at the windows overlooking the lake.  We had watched some bluebirds flitting around.  A birdhouse seemed to be the center of their activity and before long, we noticed some kind of rivalry going on.  In the green birdhouse, we could see what looked like a sparrow.  When she came out, or flew back in, one of the bluebirds would dive bomb her.

We observed, speculating on what it could mean.  Did the bluebirds want the bird house?  Had the sparrow taken it over?  Was she a visiting friend or was there some kind of adultery going on?  We laughed as we talked about the possibilities.

Look closely in the last picture below and you will see my beautiful bluebird friend among the branches.

To me it seemed like so many church members, being pesky and finding fault, wanting to bring discontent and sorrow to another who was not acting in quite the manner they thought appropriate.





The morning ended with a wonderful appeal from Bev that we care for our physical bodies.  With many hugs and farewells we hit the road home.  I was back to the hospital with John by 2 pm and found him strengthening nicely.