Thoughts on Faith

Thanks so much to all of you who are checking this spot, praying for me, and sending loving messages. Those who have already been down this road know well how much it means. For those of you who haven't, and still keep praying and sending notes, please believe it: You are making a huge difference.

I had an exceptionally good night of sleep Thursday night--most of it in a recliner. No problem. I was feeling "slow" to bounce back because of all the sitting around that I do (both day and night), but yesterday a nurse friend ended an e-mail with these words "Rest! Rest! Rest!" Coming from her, at that moment, it somehow made me feel that it's all right to do that. Cool, huh?

The last night Lisa spent in the hospital with me, she sang all the words of an old hymn, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." After I got home, I noticed that several e-mails were referring to my strong faith. I just want to say that the size of a person's faith is way less important than the goodness and abilities of the One on Whom that faith is focused [fortunately]. So I'm going to quote here all the words of the song Lisa sang. They're rather antique sounding, but please pay attention to what they say about God. Why ever would a person choose to not trust Someone like this?

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father.
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not.
As Thou hast been, Thou forever shalt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed, Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifest witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed, Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today [!!] and bright hope for tomorrow--
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed, Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.