Sunday, February 3, 2008

mostly martha...


I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1



Meet Martha...

... this was long before I ever met her!

Over the years, Martha has in so many ways exemplified the characteristics of the godly woman found in Proverbs 31. She has made her home a place of beauty where all are welcome... and been an encouragement to those who are struggling. She has never been afraid to share the ‘good news of Jesus’ with co-workers, neighbours and complete strangers…and many have come to know Him through her. She had worked tirelessly in the Alpha program the last few years...reaching out to people who are looking for meaning in life. She loves to comfort the dying…and has been known to sit for hours with the terminally ill. That would make most of us uncomfortable…but not Martha! She is a lot of things to a lot of people…but to me she is a special sister-in-law! She is our Martha.

But we know that into every life, a little rain will fall…and she is going through a time of heavy rains. Two years ago she began to experience mini-seizures….and was diagnosed as having adult onset epilepsy. Since that time, she has struggled with finding the right anti-seizure medication, and dealing with their unpleasant side effects. In late fall, it was discovered that she has a lesion on her brain (in a highly sensitive area), and was referred to Vancouver to meet with specialists. Her appointment is tomorrow, Feb. 4th. Over the Christmas vacation she was able to join her family on a vacation in Hawaii. They all had a wonderful time…until Martha had a mishap and broke her shoulder. So as she undergoes her procedures tomorrow, she is also coping with a shoulder that is still on the mend. So if you are talking to the Lord today...mention Martha!



God of compassion...bless those we love with safety, health, and endurance.
In You alone, the Maker of heaven and earth, we find our help. Amen

5 comments:

  1. Most certainly will keep Martha in thought and prayer. She sounds like a delightful sister-in-law and the perfect friend...a very special woman indeed.

    Thanks for your nice comments today.

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  2. Such a lovely post! I will be keeping Martha in my thoughts and prayers. My sister also was diagnosed with adult onset epilepsy and deals with is as only she can...one day at a time.
    Take care,

    Jan

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  3. I just prayed a prayer for Martha..
    sometimes you wonder how your heart can get any heavier...you are going through some really tough times, just know that my prayers are with you as well, Judy.
    God is faithful..

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  4. Had lunch at church with friends, am now back home -- first thing I must do is open Judy's blog. WOW, what a SHOCK to see MY picture - I felt the tribute was a bit over done, then I needed a tissue. I am comforted to know, that nothing comes into our lives that has not passed through the hands of God first. Thanks Judy, Vee, Bax, Betty and Everyone else who will be praying for me. Christian Love, Martha

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  5. Judy, I am honored to join you in praying for Martha.

    How wonderful for her to know that she has the body of Christ interceding for her.

    Let us know how it goes.

    Hi Martha. . .((((hugs))))

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'The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.'
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson