The difference between courage and discouragement seems to be a great chasm, and yet....our God is the bridge back. Oh how glad I am for that, this thought is a 'Pollyanna' moment but very true. And then there are the beautiful moments of wondor at the beauty of creation like this iris. All week I've marvelled at the artistry going on in the sky. The forms of the clouds, thier colors and shadings are beauty beyond compare. Who is like unto our great God? All praise to Him forever and ever. I have just taken the last of four bread pans of the Amish friendship cake out of the oven. Ever since our daughter brought me some starter, it has been multiplying itself every 10 days. Hubby just loves it but it is not slimming to the waistline! I must get myself to bed...tomorrow is my cello lesson and I really need to practise in the a.m. with fresh focus. Where did the day go? This afternoon I watched a Family feature movie to keep my mind busy. This is the anniversay of when our daughter went to be with Jesus, all of 21 years ago. I'm so glad she accepted him as her personal Saviour. If I let myself I could easily re-live parts of her last day on earth in my memory, but I must not go there. She is safe at last and so happy I could not begin to imagine it. The song comes to mind from the Holy Spirit..."Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on his gentle breast, There by His love o'er shadowed, Sweetly my soul shall rest...." For her and for me. hymn by Fanny Crosby/William Doane.

"We thank Thee for the pleasures we have enjoyed and for those we have been able to confer. And now, when the clouds gather and the rain impends over the forest and our house, permit us not to be cast down; let us not lose the savour of past mercies and pleasures but, like the voice of a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memory survive in the hour of darkness. If there be in front of us any painful duty, strengthen us with the grace of courage; if any act of mercy, teach us tenderness and patience"~~Robert Louis Stevenson~~

In every dark hour, he has been with us, then and now. Ever faithful, every true.