Happy 34th Anniversary to Us!

Ruth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:


Saturday, September 29, is our 34th anniversary, but we started celebrating tonight. We have a favorite little restaurant ~~ Sunset Grill ~~ out on the water. It isaptly named for you sit on the back porch and watch the sun set while eating. It is such a lovely and tranquil dinner. Richard and I had a good time talking to other folks (strangers) who were there. We rode over to Gulf Shores and enjoyed that ride and then back home again.

Since we aren't going anywhere, we are acting as though we are out of town with plans to eat out several times over the weekend. We are going to get up and go out for an early breakfast. For lunch on Saturday, we have invited Brian, Amy, and the kids to join us. (We need to call Chip and tell him to have a meal out on us tomorrow since he can't be here with us.) And then we will get in our favorite BAMA ballgame foods and hunker down to watch the game (against Florida State) tomorrow evening.

What a fun anniversary this is turning out to be!!! Happy Anniversary, Richard. I love you!!!!

Marcyne ~~ A Friend of Faith

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Today I had the precious privilege of taking my friend, Marcyne, to the hospital to have a breast biopsy. Why was this such a special privilege? Until 3 months ago, I didn't even know Marcyne and yet she called on me to help her regarding today's event.

Marcyne is a member of our church (a long-time member) but Richard and I didn't personally know her nor her husband. In a large church, you simply don't know everyone. Marcyne's devoted husband died on June 14 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Just 3-1/2 months ago she lost Don of cancer and today she faced the situation of possibly hearing that same diagnosis for herself.

Digression.... I was with my daughter Amy in Wal-Mart one Saturday shortly after Marcyne's husband died, and we ran into her. Amy introduced Marcyne and me. I learned she was off of work for several weeks following the death of her husband so invited her to go to lunch with me one day. We planned a date right then and there. I invited a mutual friend of ours ~~ Ann ~~ to go as well -- just in case Marcyne and I didn't hit it off. (Not really for that purpose. Ann is a very special lady and knows Marcyne so I knew Ann would be able to minister to her as a friend.) Not to worry... Marcyne became a new dear friend over lunch that day. She talked a lot about her late husband and how God showed Himself so real to her and Don during his illness. It was quickly evident that she is a very strong believer. She endeared herself to me with her testimony of faith in the Lord. After leaving from the luncheon that day, I asked God to help me be as strong as she is if takes Richard home before me.

With Marcyne working a full-time job and me busy with Richard and the family, we hadn't done anything else together ~~ just always exchange a hug when we see each other at church. So, it was a real blessing to me when she asked me at church on the 19th if I would go with her to have her breast biopsy done on the 28th. I cleared it with the Friday Bible Study leader and then told Marcyne that I would be privileged to take her and be with her.

As is true to form, her faith was strong today. She had to have had a miriad of emotions whirling around in her heart and mind's-eye as she was back at the same hospital where her sick husband was in and out for so many times during his illness. But she had a big smile and a confidence in the Lord that He would over-shadow her and keep her in His loving care ~~ no matter what!!

She had the biopsy. The surgeon thought everything is okay but, of course, sent the specimen on to pathology to be tested for cancer. Marcyne won't get the report until later but left the hospital with the assurance that her God is working His will in her life ~~ no matter what. My faith was increased as I observed her today. God is so good to show of glimpses of Himself in others. I surely hope all is well with Marcyne. I know there is so much more to be learned from spending time with my new friend.