The Good Shepherd Who Brings Comfort

In times of great trial, sorrow and peril, our Shepherd embraces us with His amazing love, strength and peace. It is He who surrounds us with His gentleness and glory. God bless the Brokenhearted--for they will know His dear, deep comfort.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."  Psalm 147:3

"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day." Psalm 46:5

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me.  Your rod and your staff they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.  Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."  Psalm 23

I wanted to share these verses which have so comforted Mumsie's heart as she tends to Dad.  Psalm 23 has especially brought comfort and peace to Daddy's heart, as he awaits his next great journey to heaven. 

God bless those of you who have kept us close to your hearts.  Thank you for your loving thoughts and prayers. 

I wanted you to know that my darling husband's surgery has been set for December 5th.  Please pray the surgeon will be able to get all the cancer.  

((hugs))

Heart Hug - Guest Heart Thursday

This is my niece.  She is the light of my eyes--and she LOVED this picture of herself hugging the little smiling heart.  I am SO blessed to see the world through the eyes of a three-year-old!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Happy Fourth of July

Nine years ago, the weekend of the Fourth of July, we moved to Independence. Since then, next to Christmas, the Fourth of July has become one of my favorite holidays. Except for when I was a child, I've lived here longer than anywhere else. I consider Independence to be my hometown.

Our city's history is rich. Many say our town is the true end of the Oregon trail. There is a lot of merit to that claim and with its name of Independence (the people who settled here came from Independence, Missouri), our small town Fourth of July celebrations are the best. There's a big country parade which goes right past our house, along with a weekend of live entertainment, booths and such down by our waterfront. Because Vancouver opted out of having the big fireworks display this year, our little town's firework show will be the biggest and best in the Willamette Valley.

As I write to you, people are pulling up to the curb, and into the alley to spread blankets and unfold their chairs onto the grasses along our streets in anticipation of the parade. With the rare appearance of sun and heat, this will be the best Fourth of July ever!

Happy Fourth of July!