'Tradgedies Amidst Healing' Chapter 12

  Chapter 12

 2 years later                   

                           Marie sighed in contentment. She finally graduated from high school. She was eighteen, and was enjoying this last summer as a teen, before college in the fall, where she would become an adult. Lexi was sixteen, and had just one more year left. The two of them had decided to come out to fish, and have a day with them just as they always did every other weekend as kids. They had been friends since childhood, and still were. Robin was home for the summer. She had been in the Toronto Bible Institute for a year, and was preparing to go back a final year in the fall. That’s where Todd was, this would be his third year going back. The four of them were a tight bunch. Now with two of them missing, it was hard. Lexi and Marie were tighter, than Robin and Todd. None the less, they were all tight, and it was odd not having them here with them.

                “What’s that look on your face?” Lexi asked Marie from where she was standing with her own fishing pole. They had hiked up a steep trail to do some trout fishing. Though Marie was not much of a fisher, it was an enjoyable time for relaxation, companionship, and to enjoy the serenity of the mountains. The beauty captured by God himself.

     “What? Oh, I was just ah, thinking about how blessed my life is. I have come such a long way in two years….it’ll be two years, next month…” Marie went silent. Her family had died last August on the 15^th. The day she had gotten baptized three years previous. She hadn’t completely moved on, and was becoming weary, because of it. It was still all so fresh in her mind, and even though she was finally at peace with what happened. It was painful, and she didn’t think she could take any more loss…  

    “I’m proud of you Marie. You have come a long way, and it does my heart good…to see you finally move on….”She looked at Marie then.

      “Hm.” Marie looked as worn as she felt.

     “Marie?” Lexi jumped in.

     “Yeah.” Marie didn’t bother asking, she knew what her friend was going to say.

     “You’re so tired…” Lexi was so overwhelmed with love and compassion for her friend, that she couldn’t get her voice around the lump in her throat.

      “Uh hum.”

       “Marie.” Lexi said with a bit more authority after she composed herself.

         Marie finally turned to look at Lexi from where she stood, opposite of Lexi. Her eyebrows were raised. Her shoulders ached from the intense pressure of her tight muscles…she let her shoulders droop.

        “You have to move on. You are doing great. There is no more need or excuse to think it was your fault. There is a time to mourn…and then there is a time to rejoice, Marie. You need to look at all the bright times. Focus on God. He has a plan mapped out for you.” Lexi waited for an answer.

     “I know Lexi. And I’m moving on honestly. It’s just that, when I get to thinking about it…I uh, lose it. Sorry. I’m having fun, really.” Marie said it with conviction, and Lexi seemed to relax instantly. Marie smiled for added affect…it worked. Lexi nodded and went back to her usual humming, with Marie always happy to listen to her angelic voice…   

     Striker crouched low in the bush. He had taken off his glasses an hour ago, and was now looking at two deer. He took aim and fired.

   “POOO! POOO! POOO! POOO!”  Four shots rang out. He put his gun aside, put his glasses on and peeked from behind the tree. His smile turned to one of panic. “OH NO! NO! What have I done!!” He decided to run. He was not going to get caught. He was not going to get his licence taken away! Not again!

       Marie heard the shots, followed by a yelp of pain. It was quick. She didn’t really know what had happened. She just knew that she was hurt. Ignoring the pain with every fibre of her being, she ran to where her old friend stood. Lexi had been shot. Marie called out to her and ran. Remembering to call 911 in emergencies, she did so. It took her all of two seconds to reach Lexi. She threw off her sweater and ripped it in two. Then searched for the wound…she found it…Lexi was shot in the chest just above her heart...Marie tried not to think about the severity of the damage. She wrapped the sweater tight around her chest. She then put the other half of the torn garment under Lexi’s head. Marie was in shock, she was unaware of her own injury, only aware of Lexi’s. Her mind recalled everything she learned in school. She was hopefully going to school in the fall to become a paramedic. Now wishing her mom hadn’t pulled her out a year in kindergarten. Because then maybe, just maybe, she would be a medic by now and would have the situation under control. She felt for Lexi’s heart beat and found it quickly slowing down. She began CPR, trying to pump the heart back to life. After what seemed like forever, Lexi’s heart finally stabled. Marie made sure that Lexi was comfortable. She then flushed the wound with water, to see the extent of the injury. It was deep. It was a through and through shot. It was clean but efficient. She prayed, prayed hard that Lexi was going to make it…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

             There was a tree nearby, so Marie leaned against it, with Lexi’s head not three feet away from her. It had been twenty minutes. She let out a long painful sigh. The adrenaline had begun to subside and that’s when a paralyzing pain set in. In her belly just under her rib cage, she found three bullet holes. She had also been shot. She pushed her condition aside and made sure Lexi was alright. She went unconscious a while ago-probably from the pain. And Marie hoped she would stay that way until hospitalized.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

       Burk came up onto the top of the clearing. He was a heart surgeon at Virginia hospital. They were short paramedics, so he volunteered to step in this day. He quickly scanned the scene and found a woman leaning against a tree. She was aware of him, she indicated to her left, and he obliged. He found the other woman in worse shape than this lady. He called to his buddy on the radio and ran to the passed out woman.

     “What’s her name?” Burk asked the woman sitting against the tree, as he examined her friend’s injury.

      “Lexi,” escaped a haggard rasp from that lady.

       “How old is she?” Burk waited for her response.

      “She’s 16…we came out to do some trout fishing…we were…talking. Than some shots rang out…next thing I know she’s on the ground. She has a bad chest wound. She was slipping so I did CPR. Her heart beat is steady but slow, bout 62 counts per minute.” Marie gasped in pain.

       Burk was impressed. “What’s your name?

       “Marie. I’m a graduate from Fountain High.”

       Burk’s partner showed up then. He went to Lexi and took over. Burk moved over to where Marie was sitting. He touched her abdomen and she growled, flinching backwards, causing her to react in frustration and pain. He backed off immediately.

      “Sorry, but I need to examine the wound.” Burk waited for the go ahead to do so. She watched him wearily and guarded, but she nodded, and he proceeded.

     Marie held her breath as his hands touched the wound. His face looked grim. But she didn’t even notice, all that mattered to her was that Lexi was alright. She had to make it…she had too. Marie swallowed the lump in her throat, and clenched her teeth. They started moving Lexi, and that’s when she awoke. She thrashed about as the pain hit her like a rock.

      “Lexi,” Marie shouted. “Lexi…Lexi no! It’s okay, you’re okay Lexi. They’re going to get you better….” Marie tried to get to her friend. 
      Burk stepped in and held her back. 
      “Please no! She needs to calm down, she’s putting too much stress on the wound. Please, she needs help! Please! No…Lexi…” Marie’s rage was evident on her face.

    “Mam! We need you to stop moving, because you are doing exactly that to yourself what you just described to me. Understand?”

    Marie nodded and stopped moving.

    Burk let her go, and as soon as he did so, she lunged toward Lexi, he was unable to restrain her as she stumbled and rolled to the other woman.

   “Lexi? Lexi look at me!” Lexi finally responded and looked to Marie. She was frightened, unaware of what had happened. Marie got her to slow down, and lie still as the other medic put a needle in her arm. She went limp not thirty seconds later...

    Burk watched as Marie finally relaxed. Her arm went to her middle and she fell over. her middle bleeding in an endless flow. He ran to her as fast as his long legs could carry him.

     Marie’s world slowed down. She lay flat on her back, looking at Lexi’s limp form. Tears rolled down the side of her face in a gentle stream. Her eyes went heavenward. “Not again,” she whispered. She begged the Lord God to heal Lexi and bring her safely to the hospital. Her vision was clouded then with the sight of a tall, handsome dark stranger. Burk. He was calling her name, but she couldn’t hear him. Everything was in a haze. She didn’t know what to think-how to respond. Her mind was not registering. Her hand gripped Burk’s firm muscle. “Please,” She rasped in agonizing pain. “Please, help her. Please…”

       Burk watched as she went unconscious. He felt for this woman, there was something about her that stirred him. He was going to do everything in his power, to make sure that she and her friend were going to live to see the next day...

                            

Hillbill Bone

 I am a huge fan of country music, and I also love a good country song!! Enjoy.

Well...

                                  Lately I haven't been able to really focus...my mind is preoccupied on some things. Things I have laid to rest, things I'm dealing with at present, and things to come...in the future. I have a certain fear, that I honestly can say that when the right time comes...I would and may try to defy God...but truth is, if I do that, no matter how fearful I am of this burden, if I defy God on it, I won't be truly happy. Like the video interview by "The Afters" on part two of my steadfast love post. 'Sometimes, in order to heal us, God has to hurt us.' To let us grow through the pain. That's the concept I cannot understand. If God loves us, why hurt us? But if God didn't hurt us sometimes...would we ever learn? No. Would we grow closer to Him? You know, It used to pain me to know that God loves me...it used to be too overwhelming to know that He knows me, He sees me, and He wants me. 'Why?' Is the constant question I ask myself. But now, I am beginning to see it as a joyous thing, that God loves me! I mean, wow! Haha. Wow... He loves me! Lisa of a small town, who's done horrible things, who hasn't always been dealt good cards. A friend of mine keeps telling me that it's because of my unique story, ( I dunno if I agree with the word unique yet. :) )  that I am who I am today. And I guess all those years, God has been healing me, allowing me to see Him, and to finally turn to him. Here are some verses to show you kinda where I was and where I am and trying to be;
                     'Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all the day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly...' Psalm 56: 1-2. That's where I was...and sometimes still am! But here is where I am trying to be everyday, not just on the good days; 'When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to ME?' Psalm 56: 3-4. That is where I am trying to be EVERYDAY. :) So take heart my friends. God doesn't purposely hurt us to seek revenge on us for wrong. Though He is a God of wrath, He's not gonna strike us down. That's what judgement day is for. Now is a time, to come to God, to seek His forgiveness and love. To trust in Him. At the end of my life, I want to be able to say these verses with truth;
              'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, i have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only me but also to all who have loved his appearing.' 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) I have just one question for you guys tonight. Are You Well?

           Have a good evening as you Bask in God's GREAT Love, and Protection, for you... :)

I'm Not Who I Was

Enjoy... :)

Leaving Eden

This song is inspiring! I love Brandon Heath, he is my favorite artist. Also, I know I post a lot of songs, but music is a big part of my life, and God uses music to speak to me and give me inspiration. And so I like to share music with you. If you think it's too much, let me know and I'll slack it some. If not, then enjoy!!

'Tradgedies Amidst Healing' Cahpter 10-11

                                                          Chapter Ten
                     Today therapy was harder than most. Marie's leg throbbed with pain. The doc said that it was because of the trauma from falling into the pond. Her body had gone into shock causing the leg to put on stress. The doctor watched Marie like a halk. Making sure that she would not take on too much. After an hour, he said that they could stop for the day. He took another quick look at her leg, before he left them with a precaution.
                                  .....................................................................................................
              Thomas injected the key into his office door at the church. He was new here, been here only a year and a half. He was an associate pastor and counselor of the small Mennonite Bretheran. He pushed the door and hung up his coat. As he did so, something caught his eye. He turned to see that Marie was sitting in the back corner of his office. He nearly jumped out of his skin, but sat down as though he hadn't noticed. He didn't say anything. There was a reason she was in his office. And he didn't want her feeling uncomfortable and leaving. They weren't yet friends, but she was coming around and slowly talking to him. The accident had put their friendship in the making on a hold. He wanted to maintain the trust that was growing between them. She was staring out the window. He wished he knew what she was thinking.
             "It was my fault they died..." Marie whispered.
       Thomas was astounded at what she was saying. He didn't speak up right away, so she went on;
                     "It was early morning, we were having a great time. Out of the blue dad says, 'we're leaving at one. So make sure you all have your stuff.' I was mad at him. On the way home I held a grudge. Talking back, sarcasm and arguing, causing my parents to feel miserable. He turned back to tell me that was enough, when we heard a loud honk of a horn. We looked in the side and review mirriors to see what was going on. A huge gasoline truck was serving back and forth. The driver couldn't control his vehicle as he passed us and it tipped over onto out truck..." Marie fell silent. Tears were in her eyes, she was clenching her teeth. trying to control the emotions soaring through her, she looked out the window again. "After I got out, I turned back for my mom and dad. That's when the truck exploded. I couldn't get to them. I couldn't reach them Thomas! They died because I failed to move fast enough...it's my fault...the last thing I saw before I went unconcious was my dad's hand. It was burnt to a crisp, pressed up against the window." Marie got up and left than. Not waiting as Thomas called out to her. She did what she came for. Got the burden of guilt off of her shoulders. She climbed onto Prince and raced out to her favorite hideout.
                          .....................................................................................................
                         
                                                                 Chapter Eleven
                   Marie was trying to untangle herself from a bush when she heard a familiar deep rumble. Marie turned to find her uncle Ray laughing at her embarrassment.
       "Could you by any chance come help!" He was still laughing. "Yeah, okay! Take your time. I didn't mean to intrude your amusement. Forgive me," said Marie with a huff.
      "I'm sorry. I was looking all over for you," he paused as he yanked on some branches, "finally I asked God to find you and bring you to me." He started laughing again before he managed to finish his thought, "Now you're caught in a bush!" Ray finished with a final tug, it set her free, before he grabbed his middle. He wrapped her in a hug and started them walking toward Prince and old Charlie. (Ray's horse.) Once they were mounted on their rides, they made direction back to town.
   "You want to go for coffee?" Ray asked his niece.
   "Yes." Marie simply stated. She would never refuse her uncle.
  "Alright. Once at his ranch, they let the horses go and got into Ray's Chevy truck.
                                    ...........................................................................
                    They were seated at Clair's Cafe, when her uncle spoke.
"what's wrong bubbles?" He used this nickname he once gave her, whenever he spoke to her on a more personal level.
   "Nothing." she lied
"You're lying to me. I hate lies." He didn't need to add anything else.
" I spoke to Thomas. The counselor at our church. I told him what happened. How I felt. And than I rushed out like a fool." She was playing with her coffee now. Avoiding eye contact.
"Marie, you're not a fool. Okay? You're still in the process of grieving. It's okay. The sooner you realize that, the better. Let go. Move on. Remember all the good times. Don't waste your life on all the bad. The regret. Because that will just eat you alive."
    Marie looked to her uncle. She knew what he was saying was true. But she still felt she was at fault. Therefore she should suffer for it.
            "What is it Marie, please tell me." He saw her look around the cafe, before saying,
     "Not here."
   He needed no further pushing. He was going to figure out why she looked like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. It was nearing three months since the accident. She may have changed her attitude and put a smile on her face. But he knew better than that. She was still suffering. He was going to help her put it aside. 
                     ...........................................................................................................................
                    Marie sat on a large rock. Ray did the same. She looked out to the stream that flowed around the rock. They had walked on a fallen tree and climbed up onto this rock.
           Ray let the silence hang. She had opened the door to let him into her heart. And he wasn't about to leave.
       "It's my fault they died Uncle Ray." I couldn't save them. I caused them stress on the way home." She was in tears now. She let them flow and kept on with her story. "I wanted to stay and go quading with you guys one last time. And I was angry at dad for not staying. When the semi fell on us...I was able to get out. I turned to get dad, mom and Emily. The truck exploded out of nowhere… When I looked back, I saw dad press his burnt hand against the window. That's how the guy from the minivan found me." She looked away than, not bearing the hatred in her uncle's eyes. But when she finally turned to look at him, she didn't see hatred. She saw compassion, and Love. He was so sorry that she had been living to that lie. The lie Satan put in her head.
     Ray’s heart filled with an overwhelming sense of love, and loss. This girl was important to his family. He silently let his own tears roll, and pulled her close. He didn’t say anything, he couldn’t...they left an hour later. Ray was praying for her, while Marie pretended that nothing happened.
    Marie didn’t know why, but she felt better, after speaking about what happened. Almost as if she was at peace. When she spoke to Pastor Tom, it was a different story, but now this was different. This was good. She was okay. She was going to be okay. She sent a prayer of thanks up to heaven, squeezed her uncle hard, and went to muck out stalls. Today was a good, today was a fresh start! It was about time, she moved on.

'Tradgedies Amidst Healing' Chapter 8-9

                                                          Chapter eight
 
                 Marie awoke to the touch of Weston's hand. He was holding it and appeared to be sleeping. She saw the concerned look on his face and tried to remember what had happened. It didn't take long for her to realize what had happened. She twitched her hand, and this slowly brought Weston's gaze up to her face.
          "Weston? I'm so sorry. I hadn't realized that I had gone off the road and onto your field. I hope I wasn't any trouble."
            Weston just stared at her in shock. He knew her to be this way. Thinking she was a nuisance even when she was the one in danger. Always putting others before her, and ignoring herself. She hated attention and wouldn't even allow anyone to look at her, when she damaged herself. She was such a kind and tenderhearted young woman.
           "Don't ever think like that again! Marie." She looked away from him as he said this. "Look at me." He waited until she obliged before moving on. "You are never a nuisance...I thought I lost you out there yesterday. You were so cold, and blue...you looked dead. You're a good friend, I couldn't stand it if I lost you." Though he was 22 and she was 16, they were good friends. And would continue to be so, until the day of death.
      "Just like I can't stand that all five of my family members are dead." Marie barely whispered.
       This statement caused Weston to again study her profile. It was gonna take a lot more than a simple friendship to get her to trust him and to believe him. He just squeezed her hand, and prayed.
.....................................................................................................
                     Ray watched the exchange between Marie and Weston. They were tight friends. Ray genuinley liked Matt, and thought highly of him. They were a good pair. Ray thought not for the first time that he was getting to old for this. He was doing his best to be there for her. But he did have four other family members to keep in touch with. He sure hoped that she would get back on her feet soon. He needed life to go too. Not just for him, but his family as well. With a sigh, he walked down to the cafeteria to refill his coffee. He needed to fuel up if he was going to get through the day.

                                                          Chapter Nine

                                 Lexi was eating cerel when she heard a knock at the door. She told her mom she'd get it and excused herself. She went to the door and found Marie standing there. She looked better than she did two days ago. But was still a little pale. The doctor told her she had been stressing her body and her leg by the way she had been running so much. She was not allowed to go for 20k runs anymore. Start at 5k if she felt she had to run. But for the next 6 months no more than that.
     "Can I talk to you Lexi?" She looked miserable. Nothing new there.
      "Of course Marie, come on in." She widened the door, to let her in. But Marie made  no move to go in.
        "No. Can we go for a walk in the woods out back?" She sounded distressed with what she wanted to talk about. So Lexi obliged.
        "Yes, just let me grab my coat, and tell my mom where we're going. Hold on a sec." It didn't take her long to return. "Alright, let's go." She shut the door and headed out with Marie. It had been close to ten minutes before she spoke.
        "I would like to apologize for the way I've been acting. Lexi. It wasn't and isn't right." Marie was watching her face intently.
         "Marie you have a right, your-"
         Marie cut in with a sharp "No! It's not okay. God says it's not okay. Lexi, while I was grieving I was totally blind to the fact that you and turner was just as much best friends as me and you." Marie had tears now, it hurt Marie that she had been so blind to this. "I am so sorry Lexi..." Marie was so choked up that she couldn't speak. Instead she just grabbed Lexi and pulled her into a hug. After a while she spoke again. "You know, the day I fell into the pond...I made my relationship with God right again. I'm gonna move on, pull my life back together. I'm gonna be there again for you and Robin. Alright? After I realized what I had been like, how I've neglected you guys. It tore my heart open again. I am so sorry...I will never let that happen again. Alright?" She waited for Lexi's nod. They started walking, and remained silent. Finally Lexi spoke up.
          "Promise me something Marie." She had stopped and Marie knew she wasn't gonna like what she had to say.
            She judged her friend's face and finally said, "Okay."
                "Promise me that if anything ever happens to me, you'll talk about it to someone. That you'll explain how you're feeling. Ask for help. Promise me this one time Marie." She held the gaze of her friend. But it was indeed hard. They had been best friends for about six years. She had quickly learned that Marie had this piercing gaze that could penetrate deep into your soul. It seemed like forever and finally, she agreed,
    "I promise Lexi." With that Marie dropped her gaze and started walking down the path back to Lexi's house. She didn't like making that promise. But for her treasured friend, she'd jump the moon. she was also impressed with the way she was able to hold her gaze to Marie.
                            ...................................................................................................
                                Marie got back on her horse and headed to her uncle's house. She still had some chores left to do and she was eager to sit in the pasture with the horses. They always made her day. Such majestic animals had God created. They were strong, and gentle, yet could be very mean and hostile. Gentled by man, these beasts were life long partners. Abused by man, these beasts were broken, and your worst nightmare. She patted Prince's neck as she rode along. He in turn, turned his head to rub her leg. He had come along way, since Marie's uncle saved his life. He reminded her of a horse when she went on a mission's trip to Brazil. There had been a horse who had been neglected and abused. She would sit with the timid creature...barely noticing that Marie had been there as her head hung to the ground. Not even eating the grass as she breathed in it's fragrance. She remembered kneeling down and just holding the horse's head in her lap. Gazing into her eyes. There had been sorrow there, you could tell she had not wanted to go on in life. That memory always tore at her soul.
                Prince picked up speed as he saw uncle Ray. Ray laughed and waited patiently as the horse jogged to his side. He thrust his head at him and nuzzled him affectionately. Ray gave him some oats and murmured praises to him. He looked up to see Marie smiling at him.
    "What," he asked with hesitation.
    "Nothing...I made some things right, and decided that life has to go on." She was silent then, looking saddened. But than gave him a sincere smile. She got off the horse. "I have to finish some chores, and than I was gonna go sit with the horses. If that's alright with you."
              "Sure, but Marie? I have a new patient for you to nurture and spoil. She's a red sorrel mare. She was beaten with a 2 by 4... a nail attached to the end. She's got some nasty scars. She's vicious, so be careful."
              Marie looked  thrilled and sad at the same time. Before she could even ask where the horse was, her uncle answered her question.
              "She's in the corral behind the barn." With that he turned and left, as Marie cooled down Prince, put him away, and went to go see the new mare. Sometimes she swore that she could kill whoever did this to these animals. God created them to. Not just to be food...or even to be punching bags. But to be companions, and to be loved. She prayed right then...that God would help her with these thoughts.
                      .....................................................................................................
                Weston found Marie just where her uncle said she would be. He watched from a distance as she sat on the ground. She paid no heed to the horse. Whenever she did, the horse would shy away. Eventually she had stopped paying attention. He watched in amazement as the horse finally ambled over to her and sniffed around in her hair. She gave out a giggle and the horse shot away. This time Marie stood up and turned away from the horse. She noticed Weston standing there. But she ignored him as the horse again was out won by his curiosity. This time Marie walked away and the horse followed her as she walked around the corral. She stopped. Turned and held out her hand, the horse was cautious and made no move toward her. Marie walked away again. The horse let out a loud shrill whinny. Marie once again turned around, held out her hand and waited. The horse pranced toward her, staring her right in the eye. Marie gently brought her hand up to the neck of the sorrel mare. The horse nuzzled her hand and Marie rewarded her with a carrot.
        "Wow. You've got a gift here Marie." Weston said once he closed the gate behind her.
         "Thanks Weston. What brought you over here?" She was in high spirits since the day she fell in the pond.
                "I came to see how you were doing. I'm glad to see you up and about. You scared me half to death." He finished with extreme emotions.
                "Thank-you Weston...for saving me. I could have died if you hadn't spotted me." Marie broke off, and looked away. She had tears in her eyes again. This had to be the millionth time since her family's death.
               "Marie, you're okay. You're alive. God still wants you here."
                "I know Weston, but...I miss them so much. And I know that this is God's plan, but why I'm the one left alive....why me." She didn't ask this..but stated it. Because she couldn't go back and change what happened. So why ask.
              Weston pulled her into a hug. She was getting there. She was beginning to see that God allowed this to further His will for her life. But understanding didn't make it any easier.

Valentine's Day!

                                    Well, for Valentine's day, I decided to post a song. It's one of my most favorite songs. It speaks of the most powerful love of all...the Steadfast Love Of God Almighty! And this song portrays that. Once again it's been written in God's perspective, yet it's also bout life and people. So often we think that we can't come to each other with heartaches, and secrets. But how wrong are we? GOD loves us, no matter what we've done, or what we do! And a person with the love of God in him/her...will or should have the same response! Have a good day, as you spend it with a loved one!

''Steadfast Love'' Part 3

This song was written, kind of like in God's point of view. I hope you like and that it grips you like I it did me! :)

''Steadfast Love'' Part 2

This goes hand in hand in what I was saying in part one or steadfast love. Enjoy. If you want to actually listen to the whole song, There is part three which is the lyrics with just the song. Enjoy! :)

"Steadfast love" Part 1 Psalm 25:4-22

                                          I have been going through a tough few weeks. Working through some things, having to help host the bible quiz tourney which was fun, and then making mistakes, and trying to fix them. And so on Sunday a good, sweet friend of mine, read from this Psalm, and it has been stuck in my head thus far! And so this week, I would like to encourage you guys with it as well. Hope you like!
                         
                                                           Psalm 25: 4-22


                         4. Make me know your ways, O Lord: teach me your paths. 5. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I will wait all the day long. 6. Remember me in your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7. Remember not the sins of my mouth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love, remember  me,   for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! 8. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble in his way. 10. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. 11. For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. 12. Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 13. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. 14. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. 15. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. 16. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: bring me out of my distresses. 18. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. 19. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. 20. Oh, guard my soul, deliver me! Let me not be out to shame, for I take refuge in you. 21. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. 22. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.


       Steadfast Love: Is a POWERFUL love! It's dependable, and loyal. A love you can trust! This word is mentioned all over this passage, and many others. It's emphasized as a hint for us. The steadfast love of the LORD, IS WORTH TRUSTING! He will not let us down. When life throws curve balls, or the love of this world is deceitful, don't give up! But turn to the love of the LORD. He has such a STEADFAST LOVE for us, that it's overwhelming. He will not forget you, or break his promises to us. Love of this world can be trusted. But only because of the Steadfast Love of God, that flows through man...Everyone goes through hardship. Everyone hides something that has become a hurtful memory, or pain. As humans, we naturally run and hide. We set up barriers...we push people out. But that's not right. I am still learning that that is not right! And as you read this passage...let the emotions pour...then pray and ask God for guidance. Help put your troubles aside. Hand them over to the LORD. Have a great week, as you Bask in God's GREAT love...and protection...for you!

'Tradgedies Amidst Healing' Chapter 7

                                        Chapter Seven

                 It was 6:45am. Marie stared at her bible and decided against reading it. She got up brushed her hair into a ponytail bun and put on her running clothes. She always went for a 20k run every morning. That is, If her leg wasn't too tired from therapy. She went upstairs, saw that a light was on and took a deep breath. She walked the rest of the way up the stairs. And froze for just a brief moment.

        Le-Roy knew Marie was up. Every morning he heard her get ready and go for a run. He usually did his devotions at that time, and had a cup of coffee. This time however, he made sure that she would have to go right past him in order to go for her run. At last she appeared. She didn't look all to happy that she was going to have to talk to him. But he decided to ignore it.

      "How did you sleep?" He asked, acting as though he weren't really interested. He did this whenever he asked her these types of questions. Knowing that they could set off any number of emotions still going through her body.

           "Fine," she lied. Truth of the matter was, the nightmares were always there when she closed her eyes. They never went away, and she was losing more sleep than gaining it.

          "Uh-huh." He replied. Knowing the answer to that one. "Are you headed out for your run?"

        "Trying to." She bit back.

       "Marie, you need to stop giving me this attitude. It's getting old and quite frankly, it's enough!" Le-Roy's voice had raised significantly as he spoke..."Forgive me Marie. I shouldn't have raised my voice at you...you wanna talk about what happened that day?"

"Nothing to tell. You know what happened."

"I may know the facts. But I don't know the mood set, or the emotions that were hanging. Listen Marie, don't lose your faith over this. All right?" He waited and when she didn't respond or look at him, he let her go. "Have fun on your run." With that he went back to reading the word. He knew that she hadn't been reading her bible lately either. This bothered him. But he didn't want to force it on her. That would just cause her to walk away completely. Instead he just prayed.

    Marie only hesitated a moment before going out the door. She let Levi and Nikita out of the pen and off she went. She started her Ipod and started out at a light jog.

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                Weston watched from his window as Marie ran past his little farm. His heart still ached over her loss. He was keeping tabs on her through Robin, and knew that Marie was not doing good. He bowed his head right than and started praying. He prayed with all his heart, that she would find her way back to the path, and God's light. Rather than wander off of it and follow darkness...

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                Mari was unaware of the change from her B-93 pop songs to Brandon Heath. She listened to him in the past, he was her favorite artist of all time, and had all of his albums. As she jogged, she allowed the song to play through. As he was singing, she started to pay attention to the words;

     "Love does not run, love does not hide. Love does not keep locked inside. Love is a river that flows through...love never fails through..."

    She had forgotten that this song was on her playlist. Marrie's mind focused as the next set of lyrics picked at her heart strings.

   "When my heart won't make a sound, when I can't turn back around...when the sky is falling down! Nothing is greater than this, greater than this...cause love is right here. Love is the life. Love is the way, the truth, the life. Love is a river that flows through, love is the arms that are holding you! Love is the place you will fly to...love never fails you..."

               With those final words, Marie's eyes burned from the unreleased tears. She picked up speed. She had been at a dead run for thirty minutes, when she collapsed in a pond behind a house. She had been so focused, that she hadn't realized that there was a pond of water right in the path where she was running. She had managed to come off the road onto a field. She gasped as the shock of the frigid water fianlly hit. The water hit her like a thoousand needles being jabbed into her skin. She managed to crawl out. Only to stand up in pain. She tried to walk, but the pain was so intense in her ribs, that she fell back in. Who's pond this was she couldn't place her finger, but the last thing she notciced before she blacked out was; the smiling face of man with kind eyes and wearing a white bright Robe. She closed her eyes and her heart filled with a serenity and peace that she hadn't felt in a long time...this what she had hoped death would be like...

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               Weston noticed someone in his field. He was on top of his grain bin. Weston watched in horror as Marie clutched her side, gasping for breath. She tried to get back up off the ground, but collapsed once again in the pond. her nose just poking above water as her face was sitting on a sheet of ice. She was facing in the direction of his house. He grabbed his jacket and ran as fast as he could. He reached her side and pulled fer out. Luckily she was close enough to the edge that he could pull her out, without having to go in. Her face seemed surprisingly calm. Almost as if she were smiling at him. Weston picked her up, and than noticed the low rumble coming from out of Levi's chest. Followed not far behind with Nikita. They too were wet. They had obviously tried to save her, before he arrived on the scene

" Come on boy, it's ok." He cooed as he jogged back to the house with Marie in his arms.  He thrust open the door, and out her on the couch in front of the fire. He turned on the furnace, which made to look like a fireplace. Without even thinking he tore off her clothing and put on her an old t-shirt of his and some sweats. He rolled her up in a thick wool blanket and called 911. It wasn't winter yet, but there was frost on the ground, and water almost at below freezing tempratures. Marie was turning blue, her body shivering violently. She was unconsious, mumbling sorry over and over again. Before he could pin-point why, the paramedics arrived. They found them on the couch, Weston rubbing her arms fiercly. They took Marie and left with Weston in towe. On the way to the hospital he called; Ray, Le-Roy, robin, along with Lexi and her family of course.

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                   Ray recieved a phone call that caused him to fly out of the vetrinary clinic in the middle a surgery on a dobermin pincher. He grabbed his keys and flew down the road and landed rright in  front of the hospital.

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                      "Where is she!" Ray yelled at the top of his lungs, as he let the door hit the wall with a bang. Weston had noticed Ray approaching and had been expecthing this reaction.

                      "She's alright Ray," Weston spoke up from the far corner of the room. "She's being warmed as we speak. But her heart rate is back to normal, and her body temprature is climbing steadily. "

                     Weston noticed Ray's inake of breath. And His own heart was relieved.

                     Ray inquired of Weston what happened. And he told him that he only knew what he witnessed. "I saw her from my grain bin, she fell into the pond out back in my field. I came upon her, put her in some of my old clothes and warmed her as much as I could before the ambulance arrived." He finished.

                    "Thank-you Weston...you saved her life. I am truly grateful that you were standing in the right place at the right time." He wanted to say more but the doctor showed up just than. Told them that she was doing great. She'll be out of here by noon tomorrow. If everything goes smoothly.