A friend habitually fasts in prayer one day each month; yesterday was his day for this month. His wife told me in the morning that he was dedicating the day to me. I can't express how humbling and encouraging was his rare gift to me. And, in fact, my strength improved as the day went on. I'm still "standin' in the need of prayer," as the dear old slave song says.

A comment left on a recent blog tells about Barb's son Nathan, who had a stem-cell transplant months ago and still needs prayer that the cells will engraft properly and he will regain health. Let's pray for Nathan.

Last evening's visit with Ron and Joan Wiebe was all we hoped for and more. Friends are so precious, as you well know!

Dr. David Zimmerman of Atlanta offers "grief relief" seminars. His acrostic on RELIEF offers good advice for facing cancer or any other loss.

R - Realize the loss vs denying it. Admit "It happened."
E - Experience the pain vs protesting it. Admit "I hurt."
L - Let time help vs. despairing. Admit "I need time."
I - Increase fellowship vs. isolation. Admit "I need you."
E - Evaluate loss vs. lingering in depression. Say "I will work at learning from this."
F - Face the future with hope vs. merely resigning to loss. Say "I will grow through this."

I have some work to do in some of those areas.

It's going to be a beautiful day here. God is good.

Love,
Carol