Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Saturday!  It was a mixed bag of activities today. Breakfast with Geni and Cody where I was presented with a “Mom Box” from the storage unit Geni took over after I retired. It is filled with pictures, a treasured Elvis coffee mug and other wonderful memories. A trip to the grocery store and then Bruce was really tired. I am not sure if he is totally comfortable in certain situations or if it is truly fatigue. It is a question I intend to ask an expert next week. Also, Bruce has asked for books to read. I was so impressed because he asked for books because he does not have any therapy on Monday and does not want to get behind in his skills. Ask me if he is a motivated man or what?!!!  I am going to check the church library tomorrow and see what is available.  I may also check on NOOK and see if there are any titles appropriate for his needs. I love it. God is good and love wins!!

 

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4: 8

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12: 2

Tonight the title of my devotion is Adversity. “NO MATTER WHAT HARDSHIPS THE WORLD MAY THROW AT YOU, YOU HAVE—IN ME—EVERTHING YOU NEED TO PERSEVERE.”  There are times I do not know how Bruce handles the frustration of speech deficit.  When the language makes no sense at all and he is speaking with me he usually laughs, but sometimes he just says, “Never mind.”  For a man who makes his living repairing people’s homes, he also has to provide customer service which requires listening to the client as well as talking. He also talks to and ministers to prisoners and teaches Sunday School. The skill to perform these tasks has to be rebuilt.  I have yet to see him despair during this time.

 

The only thing I believe that keeps Bruce from falling into despair is that he fixes his hope on the resurrected Christ. These are pretty complex circumstances in which we are involved. It is taking strenuous effort on Bruce’s part and the part of those who work with him to retrain his brain. But what they have not had to retrain is his enduring spirit. Bruce may be hard-pressed on every side, but he is not crushed by these circumstances.  

 

So my friends, when we are faced with difficult circumstances let us remember that God is always near and His greatest desire is to help us in our time of need. When we accept God’s  help time after time then our focus changes from despair to hope.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of the earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

 

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes, pray with a heart filled with gratitude, let cast our cares upon the LORD and get some sleep. After all, God is up all night and there is no need for all of us to be awake. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene