Comfor-TEA-ble

 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

(John 14:26, KJV)

What a Saturday! The past 5 hours were spent pew-side in a sanctuary and bedside in ICU 201! In both situations, friends needed comfort.

A former Memphian's life was celebrated today by family and friends. Her husband told of how at 2:30 in the morning at his home in Wisconsin, he received a call from the American Embassy in New Delhi India. In a somewhat matter of fact tone , the voice on the other end informed him, with regret, that his wife had died in Bhutan, which is some 2,000 miles from India.

His wife had left days before, healthy, happy and physically fit, for a biking tour with fellow cycling friends. On that day's ride, she biked off road and fell to her death. Today her life was remembered on the day that would have been the couple's 45th wedding anniversary.

What does one say? More hugs than words. Sharing memories helps. Being there counts.

Bedside with a friend who has more physical struggles than anyone I know. Blind. Paralyzed. 
A widower for almost a year. Weary. Discouraged. 
How can one offer comfort in either of those situations? Certainly  I could not empathize and testify to God's goodness in either situation because I've never experience such trouble. Yes, I know of His goodness and know that "He comforts us in all our troubles." (2 Corinthians 1:4) 

What offers true comfort?  

• God's Word. "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) 
• God's people being there....(Psalm 27:13-14) 
• Hugs. Comfortable tears.
• Smiles of caring or laughter if one is blind and can't see your face.

Offer a comfor-TEA-ble cuppa of love to assuage the emotional distress of grief to one and the physical pain of suffering to the other. 

A comfort cross with skin on.

The Dance

FYI--Ambien kept me asleep til 3:50---so many questions and decisions but I truly am not dismayed---Psa. 27: one of last verses says "I would have despaired had I not seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Yesterday I was physically surrounded by God's goodness through my "praying buds" and family (even though far away). This morning the Lord and I have been discussing the next step in my dance of life---Do you know the old hymn, "Lord of the Dance"? It was in the hymnal of First Methodist Church in Hoptown.

Not sure where we're going for surgery---wherever God leads--- though my heart desires Dallas---Buddy's devout Christian doc friend has given some good advice and thinks Dallas will be okay. He's still checking. He's tops in field of reconstruction (just not my kind) and he could be our eyes and ears and son, Buddy and Day live just north of Dallas in Allen, TX and could offer a pillow and support for Larry.

for blog---excerpt from prayer journal (comment from Norman M.)

1/20/09

G (God) U AND I DANCE (Guidance) (for all my "non-dancing denomination" friends, forgive me)

I am asking God to guide me through this dance that has come up on my dance of life song card--I don't know this dance and I'm asking Him to teach me the steps. In Hoptown, during my high school days and at the Sub Deb dances, we would have a "no-break" card. You had your card signed by those whom you wanted uninterrupted dance time with---no one was allowed to "cut in/break in---you know, the old tap on the shoulder move---your eyes were for that partner alone. So today I'm asking God to to be my partner and to allow only the best (docs, medicine, counselors) to break-in and join me in this new song, composed by the Lord of the Dance---for my eyes are on Him alone.

I am a dancer ("bopper") and it's the desire of my heart to dance through this new song, hand in hand with the Lord, my true partner, as He teaches me step-by-step whether it's a waltz that moves slow and easy or a tango or jerk with some unexpected bumps. This is a new dance for me but I have a great teacher, The "Lord of the Dance" and the hope of my heart is that I can dance at Halle and Kyle's wedding on April 4.

1/18/09

1/18/09 Sunday

Yesterday Larry got me a pair of fur-lined CROCS ---from Baumer's Footwear, of course—great way to begin the day--

I got to see Owen's (19 mos.) "Music for Aardvarks and other Mammals" music class. I stood in the corner with Purell in hand to ward off "germs" and thoroughly enjoyed myself----esp. when he would come to take my hand or Pop-Pop's b/c he wanted us to be included. Later hair stylist took me after hours to get a "short" haircut to make days ahead easier---

Excerpt from prayer journal—doing word study on waiting—

Psa. 40:1-5

I waited patiently (patience is not one of my virtues) for the Lord: He turned to me and heard my cry (this cry occasionally has tears along with it.) He lifted me out of the slimy pit and out of the mud and mire. (Is this what self centeredness/self-pity looks like? Thank You, Lord that because of Your Presence through this journey, I have not asked, "Why me?" It's not about me—but Thee) He put a new song in my mouth, (and most likely it's going to be a new mouth) a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear (reverential respect?) and put their trust in the Lord._(A-men and A-men)

All my English teacher buddies,---remember that my journal does not have spell check and forgive me for causing you shivers if & when misspelled words appear.)