Four weeks ago today we were having supper with Tyler in Montgomery preparing to say good-bye. It really seems like four months ago to me! I wish I could say it's gone by fast but it just hasn't. And it seems like an eternity to think there's eight and a half to go before we see him face to face. There are just no words to describe how much I miss him.
I do want to say thank you to ALL of you praying. I "know" God is working or I really couldn't bear it! Since my last post, Tyler's letters began to sound alot better in the areas we've really been praying over. But we have gotten a couple in the last few days that speak again of bad days. I'm sure this cycle of ups and downs is normal, and I just share that to encourage you to keep lifting him up.
Steven's sister Marilyn's husband, Gary (did I lose you there?) has a relative named Cody. He's about a year older than Tyler and he joined the Marines last fall and graduated early last December. He just told us that at the end of each phase of boot camp they have a type of initiation they put recruits through that's really tough. From all we've read and heard, and even Tyler talks about this in his letters, after phase one it gets a little easier on them (that is, until the Crucible which is the final 54 hour test they have to pass). Cody confirmed that, but he also said the last day of the phase is the hardest day. It's like passing the test moving from one phase to the next. I believe that day will be Monday, April 28th...a week from tomorrow. That will be a very crucial day for prayer and fasting. For anyone interested, you can go to http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/index.htm and read more about what Tyler is doing every day. Thank you SO much for joining me in prayer.
Psalm 42 has touched my heart this weekend. The writer begins by confessing his hunger and thirst for God, the "living God." His life is cast down, the burden he carries is more than he can bear...so much so that he says "deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls all your waves and breakers have swept over me." In other words, he is experiencing one affliction or heartache after another that he brings to the Lord. Then in verse 8 he says, "Yet the LORD will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, a prayer to the God of my life." (AMP) Sweet sustenance! Where would I be without You, Lord? Where would any of us be without Him? I wonder, what sustains you when the waves and breakers have swept over you? Psalm 119 says the Word of the Lord revives, strengthens and sets our hearts free! Set it before you every day and He will put a spring back into your step (verses 25-32)!
Other updates: The latest news on Grace is a wait time of 28 to 29 months from LID to referral. What does that mean for us? We're at 15 right now so that would put us around next May or June. Ben spent the weekend in Baton Rouge. He finishes up this semester of college this coming week and finals are the first of May. Caleb is pumped about spring training and looking forward to his spring football game on May 13th (I believe). Steven was released from the doctor last Friday, his toe is healing wonderfully and he is blessed to return to normal activity this week.
I hope you have a blessed week!
2 comments:
Karen~ I enjoy reading, and learning from your blogs. Know that I'm praying, and "Hangin' in there," with you, too
Dawn, you really don't know how much that means to me. Well, maybe you do. Your prayers and support are priceless...always, but especially during this time
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