I often have discussions with people in assisted living, because we are in the same age category, more likely in their 80s and 90s, so I am young to many.
When they ask about my daughters having a neurological disorder with no cure, they say, "Oh how terrible!" I have to intervene.
Bethany Joan Marie and Erin Joy did have difficult lives with no medical cures. However, I always say, "They had the worst possible condition, but both girls loved everyone, laughed easily, used their facial expressions, and expressed love for so many people. Both girls were eager to help us!"
I recite Psalm 91 out loud every day, which explains how the Son of God deals with our troubles, pains, fears, and grief. I began recently at someone's house and continued with the Psalm 91's graphic at Sleepy Eye Assistant Living.
I was looking at three photos. They are Christina with Erin Joy together - and Bethany Joan Marie starring in her Christmas dress at the age of four. All three of them are glowing with love, happiness, and delight. Erin loved her swing.
So to cheer myself up every afternoon, I look at the two photos on the wall and cry a little bit with that angelic joyfulness and love. They are not far away but very close, not in sorrow - but in letting their everlasting love show through Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
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| Christina knew what was ahead of us - and how much was needed through our Savior. |
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| From Puppets to Redhat! Happy Birthday, Martin! Nobody could have been a better brother to Bethany and Erin Joy! |
KJV Psalm 91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
