Okay, let me first say that the overwhelming responses to yesterdays post which was put both on Homsechoolblogger and Homesteadblogger was amazing.  The words of encouragement were astounding to me, and I cannot say how much this has meant to me.  I think I grasped it this morning when one of my precious blogging buddies, Deedeeuk sent me an e-card – I realized I DO have friends, just not ones I can put my arms around and HUG right now!  Thank you all so much for your kindnesses.  They blessed me beyond measure.  BUT I do want to say that the most astounding comfort came directly from the Lord.  Where to start…. Hmm…. I think I shall have to make somewhat of a list:

• Yesterday afternoon my friend Carol called just to chat.  She is one of those friends you can share anything with and never fear that she will put you down or judge you – and yet she will tell you the truth.  She is also very compassionate.  She had received a card I sent her to encourage her through a rough season in her life – and we discussed how I can see the Lord’s promises hold true for HER situation – but have difficulty applying them to my own.  By the time we got off the phone – I felt so much better. 
• Last night during family devotions (we use the One Year Book of Family Devotions and read one every single night before anyone is allowed to leave the table!)  I was reading, and the scripture text was Romans 8:26-31.  Verse 28 says this………And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.   (NKJV)  As I read this out loud to my family I started to cry.  Then we all started to laugh, because we knew that God had spoken – directly to my heart.
• After dinner, we went to church.  The adult Bible study text was ALSO from Romans 8!  The focus was on verses 12-14.  The emphasis of the teaching was that we “owe no debt to the flesh” – the life in the body is nothing compared to the spiritual aspects of our living for Christ.  The pastor talked passionately and confrontationally about sanctification.  How can we be caught up worrying about the flesh while people around us are dying and going to hell.   I felt about this small, and so very convicted that I’d lost a day of my life to live for Christ wallowing in self-pity.    Basically,  the Lord kicked my BUTT and then turned around to help me back on my feet!  (I love it when He does that!)
• When I woke up this morning, the SUN was shining!  It streams through the window beside me even now and I can feel God’s love in it.  It calls for rain again tomorrow – but I will enjoy the sunshine for today, and let tomorrow carry its own worries.
• My Bible study this morning was out of I Samuel – and focused on the uncommon  friendship of Jonathan and David.  Beth Moore’s notes highlighted some attributes of uncommon friendships:

1 – Uncommon friends can speak their minds without fear

2 – Uncommon friends can share their hearts without shame

                So I am reading all of these notes and starting to feel again – thinking about my friends back home.

                Sadness attempted to come in – until I got to the third note:

                                3 – Uncommon friends can stay close, even at a distance!!!!!!

I got chills when I read this!  My friends and I are friends, united in a bond of love with the Lord.    This verse is illustrated in the friendships that I do have whether near or far – “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”   Eccl. 4:9-10, 12b    

I am so thankful that the Lord heard my prayer, and the prayers of any of you who were willing to pray for me.  Once again He dazzled me with His love.     

Love and blessings! ~ ? Julie ? ~

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