I wish I could say my husband’s home
And all is well – but He’s not home –
Still we confidently say that
All is well because we know
God is in control
And God is good
I wish I could say my heart’s not hurting
But it is – because my husband’s not home –
Though he’s paralyzed and speechless –
And carried by others – we know
God is in control
And God is good
Neither Alzheimer’s nor paralysis has
Stopped my humble husband from treating
Others respectfully – in distress his quiet
Spirit says Johannes knows
God is in control
And God is good
Sadness in his eyes tells me his heart
Is broken and heavy – yet he waits
For comfort and blessing – blue eyes
Twinkling – glistening through glossy tears –
God is in control
And God is good
Often we fail to look past troubles –
Knowing God is good – because
We only count from birth to death –
When life on earth is but a breath –
God is in control
And God is good
By Carol Ann Hoel © July 28, 2011
____________________________
Psalms 107:1-2 – The Bible (KJV) – O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy…
Cah4el's Blog 
Oh, Carol Ann–
this is a beautiful, shattering piece…
God’s peace is so very different than happiness…there can be joy, even amidst the sadness.
I continue to pray for you and Johannes…
I am so very thankful you both have the love of Jesus to cover and calm you, even when things are in turmoil and life seems to be turned upside down…
blessings
jane
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Thank you, Jane. Yes, God’s peace is different than happiness. It’s durable and survives the storms of life. I have my moments, and the Lord is there with me. He comforts and strengthens me. I may shed tears and feel that I’ll never be able to move on. Then peace comes, tears stop, and strength renews.
I love it when my hubby looks at me with those blue eyes intently and nods with a yes. He can’t quite master the no nod. The absence of the yes nod means no.
Blessings to you, Jane…
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So sorry for the difficulties that you’re going through with your husband’s health, but glad you have faith to carry you through.
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Thank you, Suzi. I appreciate your kind words. Blessings to you…
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Even in your own time of suffering, you are blessing others. You are living out your faith and Johannes is living out his — and God is being glorified!
Carol Ann, I continue to pray for both of you. I pray Johannes will be able to return home. Most of all, I pray you both will continue to rely upon God’s goodness and His promises.
Thanks for taking time to share these touching thoughts with us. God bless!
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Thank you very much. I appreciate your prayers and your kind words. God bless you…
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Oh Carol Ann, my heart is heavy reading this – though like others, I am very thankful to KNOW that God is with both of you therefore you’re not alone. I will continue to keep you and Johannes in my prayers each day. Keep walking strong while holding the hand of Jesus along the way. Blessings to you both, my friend.
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Thank you, Bonnie. I appreciate your thoughts and your prayers. Blessings to you…
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Your faith and acceptance is exceeded by no one I know
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Thank you for your comment, Carl. Jesus has earned our confidence. We are experiencing a little of His grief while He carried all our sorrows to the cross. Blessings to you…
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Have you been posting? Have not seen you for a while. Have I blocked you in some way?
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I haven’t been able to post. I spend almost all my time at the care facility with my husband. I am thankful for the prayers of all my blogger friends. God is faithful to hear and merciful to answer. My husband will be coming home on Monday, August 29. I’ll do my best to establish a care routine at home that will allow me to post and read the blogs of others and comment again. Blessings to you, Carl…
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Yes, when all seems lost and hopeless, God is still in control and He is good. A heavy yet uplifting message to be taken from this piece Carol. Such a great amount of faith is expressed here as well. Be blessed dear!
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Thank you, Te’Kia. I appreciate your encouraging words. Blessings to you…
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If we did not have our faith during these times what would we do? I’m so sorry for what you are going through. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
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Thank you, Laura. I appreciate your kind words and your thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you…
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“I will bless the Lord at all times! God’s praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
St. Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord, ALWAYS! Somtimes we might not “feel like it,” but we praise God because we chose and choose to, not because we feel like it – (all the time anyway) – and God is more than worthy of our praise. Your lovely poem tells me that you and your husband will be able to rejoice in all circumstances. You are in good hands, Carol. You are loved with a tenderness and care beyond comprehension. We are blessed indeed. I send my love and prayers.
XO Paula
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Thank you, Paula. I appreciate your quoted scripture. “Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul. All that is within me bless His holy name.” Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Blessings to you…
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I’m so sorry. Still praying for you both.
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Thank you for your prayers. We appreciate your sympathy and support. Blessings to you…
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Hi Carol,
I know it’s not easy but what glory God is receiving through your testimony. There will be much reward waiting for both of you. Keep the Faith
Brother in Christ
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Thank you, Rocco. We appreciate your encouragement. Blessings to you, our brother in Christ…
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This is one of your best poems, Carol, so heartfelt. You are a beacon of light, my friend. Such strength of character you both have. God is in control, His great purpose is being revealed, and you are part of His plan. Blessings and prayers for you.
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Thank you, Patti. We appreciate your kind words of encouragement and your support. Thank you for your prayers and friendship. Blessings to you…
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Beautiful, touching poem. Once again, I’m near tears after reading it. My favorite phrase is “We only count from birth to death – When life on earth is but a breath ”
You and Johannes are in my prayers. My God continue to provide you both strength.
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Thank you for your comment, Janna. The phrase that you like is the key to it all. We cannot estimate or fully appreciate or understand this side of Heaven the value of the tribulation, affliction, pain, and sorrow we endure here. God is good and someday we will all know how He used our troubles to bring us eternal joy unspeakable and full of glory throughout eternity. I envision a flowing conversation among us all about the faithfulness of God in allowing us to endure temporary pain that bore the fruit of eternal joy and celebration. Blessings to you, Janna…
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Love this poem Carol. You and Johannes are both in my prayers. My husband bought a car in Dallas last week. I said “Send me to pick it up” I would have loved to stop in and meet you and Johannes in person. He found a trucker who could bring it home for less than it would cost to have me go get it. We will meet someday, either on this side of Heaven or in Heaven. Until then blessings to you both, Jeanne
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Thank you, Jeanne. I would have been very pleased to meet you in person, Jeanne. We know enough of one another to know we are friends. We will meet in Heaven for sure. We are grateful for your prayers. I tell my hubby how many people are praying for us. This encourages him. He used to read the Bible for hours on most days, so I read it to him in the evening before I leave for home. The last thing he hears before he sleeps is the Word of God.
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Your faith and beauty in this poem shines through, dear Carol. My prayer for you is that twinkle in that eye of blue expands and that the tears wash the windows of your souls to allow for peace and a healing for this wonderful bond that the two of you have created with God and the universe to shelter your souls. You are both dear not only to God but all that you inspire us to become.
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Thank you, Leslie. We truly appreciate your kind words and your prayers. I believe that the prayers of my blogger friends have made a real difference in our comfort and strength going through this time of trouble. Blessings to you, always…
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Even far away
Even in his tribulation
Even though we are not acquainted
His life touches mine in a most special way
Through your words
And through brotherhood in God’s Word
God bless and be with you both
As you keep your chin up
And never take your eyes off Him
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Thank you, Len. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement in verse. You are special. Thank you for your prayers for us. Blessings to you…
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Keep writing Carol… it’s the best therapy.
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Thank you, Patricia. I’ll keep writing. It is very therapeutic. Blessings to you…
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Carol Ann, this is a lovely poem and an inspiring testament of your faith. Thank you for sharing it with us. I will continue praying for you and your husband.
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Thank you very much for your prayers, Carol. We feel the strength of the prayers of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Blessings to you…
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Continued prayers and blessings for you both.
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Thank you very much, Fivecats. Blessings to you, too…
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I wish i could be there and hold your hand. when life is cruel god is our only harbour. i know god is always with you, i just hope and pray that your heart is always blessed by the humility and true devotion which it displays every second, even when facing vicious most blows of life.
i so wish things were different.
lots of love.
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Thank you, Trisha. Your heartfelt compassion touches my heart. Your words comfort me. My husband is doing well. I’d like to bring him home, but we must wait until I can transfer him from bed to wheelchair and back. It won’t be long. This is my prayer. Thank you again, Trisha. Blessings to you…
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it was a great relief to know that he is improving. i so hope and pray that soon he will be his old self.
i hope it never happened.
lots of love.
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I trust, that through this experience, you are going to learn something so amazing about God that it will impact you and change you forever. Blessing to you both, Linda
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Thank you for such a sweet blessing for us, Linda. I think today was the first day of your blessing. We are seeing a magnificent turn of events, and we are praising God. My hubby has gained strength. At last I can picture him at home with me again soon. Blessings to you, Linda…
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I pray the Lord will comfort you. Since you know Him so well, I have no doubt that he will. Regards.
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I want to know Him more. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words. Blessings to you, Carl…
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