Pregnancy Tests and Baby Blues

It can be a very personal subject and one I haven't known how to discuss. Pregnancy troubles. Or, more specifically, struggling to get pregnant. 

It's been a hard journey to be on and one I hesitate to share with others; I've only been married for ten months, have not dedicated myself to certain timing methods, and am very healthy and well. I've been afraid to share because we haven't visited a doctor or even bought prenatal vitamins -- but when you're as newly married, healthy and young as we are sometimes doctor visits don't seem appropriate yet.

But, regardless of the circumstances, it has been hard.

And I want to talk about it because I think it will help.

This past week I had been hope-filled and dreamy-eyed. I thought I was pregnant. Nearly every classic symptom of pregnancy appeared to be taking its course so, with a hop and a skip and a merry heart, I bought two pregnancy tests.

The boxes tell you not to read the test after ten minutes but my sister, who has a beautiful 5 month bouncing, baby boy, read a positive only after the set time limit. So I assumed it was okay. Ten minutes after the timeline, a faint positive became visible in the tiny, plastic circle and with the visibility my heart leapt. I had thought I was pregnant at 3 different times within our short marriage so I was used to disappointment. But this time was different. I had a teeny-tiny-faint positive.

And my heart secretly soared.

I waited till the end of the week to try the second test. Like the first, it came out negative; in an effort to move on from my sadness I busied myself with prayer and tidying our house. Twenty minutes later I returned to find that a huge, big blue positive line had appeared. I began to plan how I was going to tell my husband the special news and began to put baby names together.

And then the bleeding began. I told myself it was simply the implantation phase; the natural process of the fertilized egg nestling into its new home. Natural. Good. Expected.

After waking up to the beginning of a normal period, I spoiled the surprise, nervously dressed, held hands with my steady man while picking out three tests and headed home.

The reading?

Negative.

I felt so stupid. How could I convince myself that I was pregnant after two originally negative tests and traditional pms symptoms? How could I be crying over my naivety? How could God have let me believe that I was pregnant? With the sweetness and goodness of a true man, Dalton held me, encouraged me, blessed me, and reminded me that birth is in God's capable, good hands. Of course, I knew that; I had faith in God and His timing.

But then I realized something very important.

Faith isn't faith unless it can withstand the valleys, mountains, and struggles.

Remember the Israelites and their journey through the desert? Very few of their company could be called men of faith; men of faith journeyed knowing that they would get to the Promised Land even when the food bags were sagging with emptiness and the last watering holes were three days backwards. Men of faith knew that the God Who had parted the sea would also keep His word. Men of faith didn't lose heart. And today, this very faith in God is demanded of us.

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; " Hebrews 3

Doubt is a very natural response to life's struggles and I am thankful to know that even our Lord Jesus was tempted with it and understands us. There is no condemnation in struggling with unbelief; but, for me, I wasn't doubting God's ability or timing in giving us a baby. I was doubting His goodness and His love. My inner man cried out saying, "Why, when I am living a life following Him would He deny me my heart's desire?" And that is where I want to encourage you, sweet one, if you are in the same boat.

Remember that God is good. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him -- words the psalmist wrote long ago still ring true today. God is good even when life has disappointments and the way is long and the road full of pot-holes and steep ditches. He is good even when your pregnancy tests say positive but the science says negative and He is good even though your week-long dream becomes another example of your vivid imagination.

So yes, it has been a long journey.

A long, marvelous, God-filled journey.

And I am okay ... at least I will be.

I don't mean for this to be a sad tale or turn into a pity party; there are so many sisters in Christ who are struggling with this issue (and in much more painful ways). I also don't want to be accused of being foolish for not visiting a doctor. Like I said before, I am healthy and well and at this time I am more than okay with letting time take its course. I may change my mind but for now I am happy and content with that.

I just want to be able to talk about it and not feel silly. Because this pain I feel? It's real. And it affects both Dalton and I.

More than anything, I want it to be a growing experience. I want to walk away from these difficulties and be able to say that my faith grew, my heart expanded, and my love multiplied.

With love, blessings, and coffee,

p.s.

Sometimes learning to talk out your feelings can be embarrassing and really, really hard. Thankfully, I have an amazing husband ready to encourage my heart and dry my eyes, family who love no matter what, and friends like you ... who bring authentic sunshine into my life. :) Blessings to you!

Being Single

   Greetings friends! I hope this finds each of you very well and rejoicing in the Lord; "For the joy of the LORD is your strength." Much has been going on lately, but I wanted to share a story with you. I hope that you are blessed. :)

Abigail Henry eagerly opened the letter her brother brought home; she loved receiving letters from her dearest friend Lacy. Often the treasured notes held bits of godly encouragement and humor as the two early-twenty cousins shared stories about home, siblings, missions, sewing, and other girlish adventures. With vigor Abigail flipped open the floral stationary and began to read. But today Abigail's brown eyes came across something different, something delightful ... Lacy was beginning a courtship with a godly young man in her church!

Emotions of joy and excitement bubbled up inside Abigail's heart, yet another emotion also rose to the surface--sadness. But before she could address this unwanted feeling Abigail quickly left her room to share Lacy's good news with the rest of the family.

The next morning, beautiful with sunny skies and spring temperatures, found Abigail spending most of her time serving around the house. But while the day spoke of joy, Abigail's heart ached with sorrow. It was not until she jumped into her little car and left for an errand that Abigail began to discuss her troubles with the Lord, something she often did in the privacy of her own car. Out loud, the young woman shared her heart ache with her loving Saviour and Creator.

"Lord, you know I am excited for Lacy ... she deserves a godly husband and the blessing of having her own family. She will be a wonderful wife--but, Lord, why is it that I am still single? Why is it that no one has asked for my hand? Father, am I even worthy of love? Will anyone ever find me lovely and worthy enough to be his wife? Jesus, I feel passed over and forgotten. Am I?"

Dejectedly, Abigail let out a loud and helpless sigh. At that moment, her Lord began to speak to her heart. And Jesus said, "My dearest daughter, I love you (Rom. 5:6-8). I find you beautiful; I hand-made each of your freckles, every strand of your hair, and I chose even the features you dislike so that you may know and love me and that I may be glorified (Ps. 139:16,17). These hands of mine formed you in the womb, they stretched the heavens, and bled on Calvary so that you may have life ... and these very hands hold you safely now (Ps. 104:2, John 3:16). I know you feel forgotten but I have a perfect plan for you, a plan which will bring so much beauty and joy from your life (Jer. 29:11, Rom. 8:28). A plan which will bring others to Christ and glorify my Father's name--if you will only accept it (Isa. 49:5). Abigail, part of that plan is for you to be single right now. I know you want to be a wife and mother, but Dearest, if you cannot cheerfully and obediently accept my the plan I have for you now you will struggle to accept it later. Remember, being single is a gift from God; it is a time for you to 'care for the things of the Lord, that you may be holy both in body and in spirit:' (1 Cor. 7:34) . It is a time in which you can have the freedom to serve others ... do not waste it pining over day-dreams and in self-pity. Only after you accept single-hood as a gift will you be able to truly enjoy and fulfill the calling of marriage. Daughter, remember that I am the Giver of Good Gifts (James 1:17). I have given you the time of being single, therefore, this time is a good gift; I would not give it to you otherwise. And finally, my Beloved, know that you are loved; draw nearer to me and you will realize that I can meet your every need (Ps. 37:4)."

A few moments silently passed as Abigail took in all her Saviour had spoken. It was difficult for her to accept the idea that being single equated a gift. And yet, the teary eyed girl knew her Father was right.

Later that night, Abigail sat nestled in the couch across from her dear parents. The three were spending a few moments before bed visiting and sharing the events of the day. After gathering her bravery, Abigail spilt her tale to her wise counselors. She shared the sorrow that came from Lacy's jubilant letter, the discouragement that over-whelmed her in the car, and the sweet response the Savior gave. Smiling, Mrs. Henry spoke, "Abigail, your desires for marriage and motherhood are good desires ... something for which you ought to be thankful. But you are right in that they must be met in God's timing and way. Trust in Christ to meet your every need. Resting in Christ will not always be easy and you will still struggle with feelings of sadness and loneliness. When those times come, turn to Jesus and know that your obedience will help change your emotions." "Remember,' spoke Mr. Henry, 'to allow Jesus to fill your heart with joy over Lacy's happiness. Your contentment in being single will enable you to bless and encourage others."

As Abigail climbed into bed that night, she thoughtfully recalled all that she had happened that day. Quietly she prayed, "Dearest Lord, by your grace I want to accept and delight in the gift of being single. Be my Joy and Companion and according to Your will prepare me for all that you have planned ... whether that be marriage or not, I will delight in you." 

Dear friends, if you are a boy reading this {I congratulate you!} you may not relate to the main character of this story. If you are a girl, I believe you may have understood  some of the fears and doubts which went through Abigail's heart. Sisters, let us learn to be content in the here and now; let us allow Christ the righful place in our live's and He will ease the pangs of lonliness and worry. 

May the Heavenly Father bless you as you press heavenward!

Ah, the struggles of a blank mind

 Greetings dear sisters and friends! It feels like many moons have passed since I last wrote, but these are the struggles of not knowing what to write. I hope I’m not the only one who suffers from blank mind! So, to break my silence I thought I would just share a few things going on in my heart, mind, and home. :)

♥  First, fall is coming. . .at least it feels like it here in Missouri! While the leaves are not changing we’ve had a dramatic change in temperature and it is such a blessing! It is a great joy to have our windows open, work outside without a heavy humidity drenching our bodies, and being able to enjoy a walk. Truly, our Lord is a kind God who gives us lovely summer, but also a refreshing fall!

♥  Working at the daycare is teaching me so much. I’m learning necessary things like when to change a diaper, how to judge fairly between two squabbling pre-schoolers,and  how to feed an infant without painting his face with carrots. I’m also learning important things like patience, how to snuggle with a little one when they’ve woke up from their nap, and how to forgive a naughty attitude. Truly, God was serious and wise when He said that we young women need to learn how “to love their children.” Titus 2:4 I have so much to learn it isn’t even funny! But God is good and patient with me and I thank Him for making children understanding and patient too. :)  Here are some of my favorite quotes from the kiddos:

1. Me: “DO you like your new motorcycles?” Little boy: “Yes, Daddy let me get them since they are not too many dollars.”
2. Three year-old boy: “Will you help me pick out a name for my new baby?” Me: “Well do you like any boy names?” Little boy: “Well, something like Grandpa.”  :D 

♥   My family and I are doing well despite my having a cold, Momma an ear ache, and Daddy battling with allergies. :) Tomorrow, Momma and Jeremiah will be leaving for a trip to Alaska, and so I’m preparing to be the keeper of the home (although I will not be able to fill the lovely shoes my Momma has!). :o) That means I get the challenge of scheduling myself to do some chores and preparing dinners. A definite learning experience! Beyond having dinner prepared and a sparkling floor, I hope to be a blessing and joy to Daddy. . .for home keeping is so much more than physical things, but a chance to refresh and bless our families! Please pray for me that I may use my time wisely and be a blessing! 

♥  Lately, the Lord has been teaching me how to lean on Him—to lean on His everlasting love and grace for trials and temptations. The Lord has also been using Romans 6 and 8 to teach me that He has conquered sin and that He has given me the victory over it.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” Romans 6:1-5

We do not have to be worried or feel hopeless against sin or temptation. If we are born-again Christians, we have been given the same power that Jesus used when He rose from the dead . . .we have victory! Oh glory! What a lovely reality! I have found it so hard sometimes to fight against temptations, but by God’s grace, I hope to rest in the victory Jesus has provided for me. And when we are able to live victorious lives, we will be a light and example to others. Another thing my Lord has been teaching me lately, is that He is a good and benevolent wise God. His wisdom is unsurpassable and we can trust in Him. What a lovely thought! Illness, death, family problems, and any other difficulty cannot separate us from the love of God and we can safely rest that He will work out all things good for those who love Him. I’ve been clinging to Proverbs 3:5-6 which reads,

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

I don’t know about you, but I have heard that verse all my life, it is almost cliché', something we write on graduates cards or for those who are ill. Lately, however,  the Lord has given it real life and meaning to me. If I trust in the Lord with all my heart and if I don’t lean on what I understand (which is often very limited), He will lead my paths. Lately, I’ve been facing some unknown possibility and God has been allowing this verse to comfort me. I don’t understand why and I don’t know what my future holds. “Will I be able to be a missionary?” “Will I be able to go to school?” These kind of thoughts float through my mind and I praise the Lord that, if I rest in Him, He shall direct my paths. Whatever those paths are, He will be there. What a glorious thought! Sisters, let us wholly lay our futures, dreams, and paths down at Christ’s feet and allow Him to lead us. He is good! (And His path is the only one worth walking!) :o)

♥  Well, I best be going. I hope you all have a blessed week with Jesus.

With lots of love and sweet thoughts,

Frannie 

A Week of Washing and Lessons

Greetings my dear friends and sisters in Christ!

These past weeks have been very difficult for me. Not only have I found my walk with Jesus struggling (on my own account), but I have faced loneliness, bitterness, pain, and anger seemingly all at once. Who knew (at least I didn't) that I could have such strong feelings? I am blessed because I have had relatively few hurts in my life, but hurt still hurts. And when I am not in close contact with my Heavenly Father, these trials are even more difficult to face and conquer. I only write this to deeply encourage you to always walk in close contact with Jesus. He alone can bear our most burdensome and sometimes silly fears and struggles. I'm not sure of all I am supposed to learn through these past experiences except that God is good, He is in control, and He offers forgiveness. . .as should I. Please pray for me as I go through this time, that I may come out closer  to my Jesus and a shining example of what His child ought to be!
I think I will apply Romans 12 to my heart and life. It is such an encouraging and challenging chapter!

On a different, but exciting note, I have joined up with Emily Elizabeth from My Life Belongs to Him , purposing to have a productive summer. This is such a blessing to me as I try to stay accountable and use my summer for the glory of God. I'm a little behind for week two, but I tried to be productive. First, I washed the windows! It is such a blessing to have clean windows and I am so thankful my Momma taught me. :o) A second thing is that I started a new jumper (please disregard the fact that it has remained untouched for several days. . .).  So with that said, I had better get started on this week's tasks. I hope to make a few phone calls today and finish a few letters. Also, we are leaving for Wyoming tomorrow in order to visit/pick up my dear sister Allie. She has been away working at a dude ranch and so I would like to clean up her bedroom, tidy my own, and pack my bag. Very exciting!

I hope all is well with you all.
May the LORD bless you dearly with His grace and presence,
With love,


P.S. This lovely painting by Daniel Knight was taken from the following link: http://www.rehsgalleries.com/knight.htm

Ode to a Bad Test--and the Kindness of a Good God!

Oh, the horrors! Greetings my sweet friends and sisters! Tonight is a sad night. I took my Physical Education test (a class I am required to take as I work towards a teaching degree) and *sniff* I do not think I did well. I only share this to encourage you and myself to remember our daughterly duties. As a Christian we have the duties of loving our Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds, strengths, and to love our neighbor too. As women we're to be good, merciful, pure, and responsible for our bodies. As sisters we have the responsibilities of being sweet, helpful, friendly, and forgiving. As friends were to be kind, understanding, and faithful. And as daughters were to be obedient, meek, humble, submissive, loving, forgiving, studious, industrious, and good.  (And these lists are not complete!) Perhaps this is to be a reminder and a consequence of my failure in this important area. So, while I am sad at my less then the best, I hope to press higher in my daughterly and scholarly duties. . .and bring my father and mother honor while I do it!

Remember dear Anne's letter which said:

"As Rachel Lynde used to say, the sun will go on rising and setting whether I fail in Geometry or not. . . ." :)

Have a blessed day dear sisters!

Your hopeful sister,

One Week Later:

Well, hello sisters! Guess what? I am super excited! Why you wonder? Because our God is good. I did not study for this test like I should have. . .I neglected my duty. But tonight I was blessedly surprised to get my grade. . . a 98% I am so blessed by our God who helps us and has given us common sense (it was a P.E. test and they are generally pretty self explanitory). But, I must remember to be a good and diligent student and daughter bring my parents and Lord glory.

Have a blessed night sisters!

Frannie

                                                             

Contentment-A Goodly Virtue

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Greetings my dear sisters in Christ. I hope this finds each one of you growing in our Lord and King. I'm doing well. . .simply enjoying spring, our good friend Mr. Rowland's visit, and spending time with my family. This post deals with contentment because that is exactly what I am being taught during this season in my life. I've never thought of myself as a discontented person, but oh, how I was wrong. first, let me start from the  beginning  . . .

Part One- "The Beginning"
We had been living in Missouri for about eight months in a small, but sweet rental home in the middle of Ozark country. Even better, we were settled nicely in Round Springs state park. It was very lovely and I believe God used that close space to bring us closer together. We were a walk away from a spring, river, and cave. . .surely, one would think I'd be content. But we're so far from town and the road is so curvy! 

Part Two- "The Nice Home Near Town"
This was my complaint and as we began house searching it became louder and louder. Daddy and Momma wanted a nice house with some farm/hunting land, (and we did too) but it was difficult to find those things within our price range. So after some time we found a nice home settled neatly by town, with a garden, a good amount of space, and it was very convinient. Yes, we had found the one (or that's what some of us thought). We eventually did buy this nice home in town and are here to this day. I was so happy. . .at least for awhile. I began to think of farmland, chickens, a milking cow, and sheep and began to dislike our nice home. Its not nice enough, we we can't have a cow, no fruit trees, why did we buy this house? This was my self speaking and through the sin of discontentment I began to grumble and complain.

Part Three- "An Opportunity"
After living in this nice home for about six months or so, we recieved a phone call from an old friend of mom's. "We have a home for sell with 37 acres, surrounded by conservation land, located near the highway, with ponds on it; why don't you come down and take a look at it?" Imagine, dear friends, our excitement as we went to look at the inviting prospect. First Daddy went, and when he got home his eyes sparkled as he told me not to get too excited. We visited a few times and left wanting it more and more.

An Intercession- "The Realization"
This is where I have to stop, dear sisters. It is during this time that I learned what true contentment is. My discontentment had made me very unhappy during this time. My unthankfulness made me grumble, and most likely, unpleasant to be around. As I stood looking out our dining room window the Lord helped me realize that "If  I'm not happy here I won't be happy there." Ooh. . .such a true thought. If I cannot be happy with the good that I have now, will I be if I have good later? I'm afraid the answer is no. I should have been happy in our nice little rental, I thought I would have been happy with our nice home by town, and now I think I will be happy with something else? No, if we are not satisified with what the Lord has given us, we won't be satisfied with anything else. The Lord gently led me to a place where I realized that I needed to be happy now. . .and I can thankfully say He has helped me!

Part Four- "The Grace of God Brings Joy"
Here I am sisters, joyfully happy with where we are living. I don't know if we will move, but until then, by God's able and faithful grace, you'll find me happily sitting in this home that's becoming dear to me. Now I can say,  "Oh how nice to be near a grocery store, where I'm able to become friends with the stockers and the cashiers. What an opportunity to witness to my lost neighbors, and to bless the widows nearby. How good it is to have a garden we can 'practice' at without having to work new ground. What a blessing to have a sweet country home which has plenty of room for us and guests, is comfortable, and very hardy. And the smallish kitchen I use to dislike?. . .it is so sweet to have a kitchen where every decoration has a nook to rest in and it is nice to be able to work closely with my dear family as we cook up a meal." Can you tell the difference God has wrought in my heart? Maybe we will never move, and at this time that is okay with me. We are here for a reason and I want to make the most out of it.  

The Conclusion- "A Few Points"
I still have much to learn on conentment and I can say that I do not always apply it like I should. But isn't God good to help us start? I wanted to share a few points real quick concerning contentment.
~ Nothing will ever fill our hearts except Jesus. We often seek for happiness by buying/sewing clothes, visiting friends, going shopping, eating, and so on, but these things never fill our hearts up. If we allow Jesus to become "all we need" He will bring peace and joy.
~Let us remember that conentment is a good trait we need to practice now--before we get married. For most of us, our parents have provided plenty to eat, a comfortable home, and nice clothing and that is a blessing. But when we get married, dear sisters, life will have challenges. Our husbands will be just starting out and life is difficult. I know my parents had hard times when they began.  So let us learn to be content now, so that, Lord willing, we may be a sweet and happy blessing to our future husband.

Let us continue pressing heavenward as we learn to become the content and joyful maidens God desires us to be. I have much to learn, but God is faithful!
With much love from a sister,

P.S. The above sweet picture I found at brandie-life.blogspot.com. If you would like, pay Brandie a visit--her blog is very sweet!

Authentic Virtue post #3- The Trials of Life and the King Who Helped Me Overcome Them.

Dear sisters in Christ,
Greetings from a sister full of joy! I want to encourage you all who are going through a difficult time, a valley, in their spiritual and physical life. I have been battling many valleys lately, since the beginning of December and I haven't been victorious. But, I praise my Lord and Saviour who has seen me through!! While I'm dissapointed over my failures I see that God has worked them out for my good!

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." Roms. 8:28

Praise His name! I wanted to put three "valleys" which I have struggled with as of late and show you how the Lord has been there the whole time and the wonderful goodness He has to give!

Valley number 1: My Momma has been away. My Momma, who is part-time in the Air Guard, has been on a trip for a couple weeks. With her being gone I have been feeling very lonely...she is my best friend, my closest confidant. And with her being away I have been feeling anxious and depressed. Jesus has shown me that those feelings of anxiousness and emptiness are simply signs of Him needed to fill a hole in my life. But I was using my mom! And humans, no matter how dear to us, can never fill the hole in our lives. Only Jesus can! It's like building my life upon the sand....a foolish choice because when the rain falls I will as well. ~Matt. 7:21-29

The sweetness of valley number 1 is that God helped me realize that He is enough to make me happy, to fill my heart! Besides that, He is the father of the fatherless [motherless] ~Psalms 68:5. I believe He becomes that Father even if my earthly father or mother is only temporarly away! He is that good! He is also the friend of the friendless. God is so good and if we were to only trust Him, He will fill us with joy, peace, and happiness.

So after this trial I simply want to bless and encourage my Mommy. I miss you, but Jesus can fill my heart and I hope you had a wonderful trip. And to my family at home, thank you for being there and being my friends. May I be a faithful and good servant, daughter, and sister to you all! I'm so thankful for my wonderful family!

Valley number 2: With moving away from Alaska it has been somewhat difficult to find and make friends. In the last several weeks, this has made me struggle alot with being blue or sad. Jesus again showed me that only He can fill my heart whether I have friends or not! Once again, He is the Friend of the friendless. The biggest point the Lord graciously showed me is that His ways and timing is perfect ~Ps. 18:30. It is He who has moved us here and woe be to me to grumble or complain ~Ps. 28:5. In His timing He will bring friends. Perhaps during this time He wants me to concentrate on learning to lean on and trust in Him, or maybe He wants me to use this time to allow Him to fill my heart entirely with Him ?! I don't know! But I do know that His ways are perfect and He has only good planned for me

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."Jer. 29:11.

Valley number 3: This valley is similar to valley number 2. It is the valley of needing fellowship. We have found a Bible beliving church (praise the Lord!) and have been visiting there. But I have found it difficult to go through my days without close, truly like-minded fellowship. This has led to my being sad, upset, and anxious. But this is not what Jesus has intended for me! He has promised me peace and joy! So were is all of this joy and peace? I have been throwing it away for the sake of a pity-party and cheap thrills. Jesus wants me to be satisfied in Him and Him alone. When I realize that even large amounts of good, godly fellowship can't bring me true happiness and that only Jesus can satisfy my hearts deepest longings, I begin to find joy and happiness. The lesson Jesus showed me is that, once again, He is enough. Jesus knows my deepest need and in His timing and way He will fill it. He is a good friend and will not leave us alone and anxious; instead He will give us peace and contentment when we finally rest in Him. He is so good!

"O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" Ps. 18:9