Comfort Food

From Kelli:
My friend, Dawn, has this quotation on her website.  I love it.
"Tribulation is never a noble thing; but let tribulation be what it may - exhausting, galling, fatiguing, it is not able to separate us from the love of God. Never let cares or tribulations separate you from the fact that God loves you."


Can I share with you two songs I keep playing over and over (and over)?  Only if you want to listen.  
They both talk about death, but I am listening not because of that at all, but for the subject of the joy and strength Christ brings during our struggles.


This is darling Mandissa, "He is with You."

This is my favorite: Third Day, "Cry Out to Jesus."

I was laughing at myself in the hospital because here I was, utterly terrified at only MEETiNG the doctor -- not that anything painful was going to happen that day.  And here I was there without a verse to quote, as some Christians says in our own jargon-ese: I needed a verse to claim!  And Ray and I had this little Bible in his book bag and I remembered how much I've always loved and found hope in Isaiah, so I went to Isaiah 41, as it seemed a familiar location.  

This was the verse we put in Ben's card for his ordination as a pastor, but it was good for us yesterday morning as well.  

Isaiah 41: 9 - 10

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you.  I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.