Extreme is the word that comes to mind
When I think of this season of our lives –
Together – my husband and I – have been thrust
From lands well known to realms UN-known –
From friendly skies to hostile terrains –
From familiar scenery to bizarre situations –
From well lighted pathway to obscure passages –
Yet LORD – You’re here – We’re not alone –
I feel blind – scattered – shattered –
Free falling through outer space –
Trusting – maybe – hoping – yes –
Like a cat feels having a bath
I’d never known what I know now
Any other way – How
You give Your strength for asking –
I’ve not been this weak before
I needed to be reminded – LORD –
Why You had to die – to redeem me –
How awful my behavior can be –
Yet – grace is mine – and free
By Carol Ann Hoel © December 27, 2011
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Romans 5:1-8 – The Bible (KJV) – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Philippians 4:13 – The Bible (KJV) – I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Once again, your faith is an example for us all during times of hardship.
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Thank you for stopping by, Carl. I appreciate your comment. I hope to have time to post more often and to admire your artwork and humor again. Blessings to you…
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Carol Ann, I’m so thankful you posted your poem today. I’ve been wondering about you and your sweet husband for weeks. And as Carl said, you faith is a beautiful example of grace during such overwhelming hardships. I wish I could hug you. Just know that you are thought of often and that prayers and warm wishes are sent your way always. Love and great big hugs, Elizabeth.
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Thank you, Elizabeth. It’s comforting to know someone remembers us. It seems like a very long time since I was able to relax and read blogs and post. I am thankful for your friendship. Blessings to you…
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Thank you for sharing and encouraging us. I find myself exhausted and sad, at times, with the ‘caregiver role.’ But I know that it is only through Christ, that I am able to get through my days. It is by knowing, “just as the suffering of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 1Cor 1:5 I’m thankful for the comfort which flows through you to me and others!
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You have encouraged me, as well. I know how much you love your mom and your family and how much difficulty you face in your efforts to be the caregiver you are. We always know that wherever we are and whatever we do, Jesus is always there. He feels our griefs and carries our sorrows. Thank you for your kinds words. Blessings to you…
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A very moving poem.
Continued prayers and blessings for you and your husband.
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Thank you very much for the prayers and blessings, fivecats. We appreciate you. Blessings…
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Carol,
We continue to pray that God gives you the strength needed for the journey that your on, although He does not need to be reminded to be there for you because He loves and cares for you more than we can ever pray for you and your husband.
It doesn’t take the pain away but through it all God will be there for you, He never abandons us. It is so true that we could never learn what He wants to teach us except for the “Hard Road”. Sometimes. It is rougher than other times, but He gives us just what we need when we need it.
God Bless
Brother in Christ
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You are so right, Rocco T. God is good. I’m glad for seasons of peace and comfort as well as the hard ones that make us grow. Thank you for your comforting words. Blessings to you…
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This was really beautiful and is such a gift to the rest of us. Thank you so much. Sending you prayers in exchange.
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Thank you, Tammy. We very much need and appreciate your prayers. I look forward to getting back to my blog and to reading yours and others. Blessings to you…
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So good to read your words, Carol. I have missed you!
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I’ve missed you, too, Patricia. I do hope to be back at least on a partial but regular basis. I miss blogging. Blessings to you…
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I’m glad you are able to maintain your faith through the difficulties. I pray that God will continue to provide strength for your journey and be a refuge in the storm.
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Thank you for your prayers, Janna. I feel inadequate all the time. The more inadequate I feel, the more I know I need the LORD to get me through. He never fails to show Himself faithful and to pick up the pieces of my shattered ego and mold it again into something He will bless. I miss reading your delightful blog. Blessings to you…
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Your poem is bittersweet, Carol Ann, the hardships in life compared to His amazing grace. I was pleasantly surprised to find a link to your post in my inbox this morning. I’ve gotten behind with a three-day weekend on the road. I regret that I haven’t kept in touch with you as often as I’d like. It’s good to read your poetry again. Love to you and Johannes.
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I was very fatigued when I wrote this poem. I’m not always feeling like a cat having a bath. Often I am contented and calm. I would rather always be contented and calm, but… I look forward to eternity where I imagine that we will always be full of joy and praising God for His faithfulness. Life is an adventure. I wouldn’t want to live it without the Lord. I feel sorry for anyone going it alone. Blessings to you and Linn…
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He leads us to wonderful revelations through unexpected and sometimes undesired paths. You’ve said it so well, Carol Ann! Thank you.
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Thank you for stopping by, Carol, and for your encouraging words. I look forward to your visits. Blessings to you…
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I think of you and Johannes often, Carol Ann, and hold you both in my prayer.
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Thank you, Bonnie. I plan to get back into the blogging routine soon. I miss reading your posts. I’ll be back again. Blessings to you…
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Carol Ann, I’m glad you took time to post. I’ve been concerned for you and your husband, I’m praying for his health to improve, and also that God will give you strength to deal with whatever comes your way.
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Thank you for your prayers. We need prayers more than anything else. We are doing well. Hospice is a wonderful help in so many ways. Blessings to you, Carol…
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Your faith is amazing and inspirational. I’m glad you have it to help you through this season of your life.
Have a peaceful and blessed new year.
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You be blessed as well, Christine. Thank you for stopping by and leaving me an encouraging word. I know you understand the frustration of Alzheimer’s. My husband had a major stroke, but Alzheimer’s is his worst enemy. I really didn’t know much about this disease in the beginning. I’m learning more and more about the devastation it causes its victims. I am thankful that my husband is coping well. He stays happy. This means a lot to me. May the New Year bring you peace and prosperity.
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dear carol,
wish this year brings you joy, relief and lots of happiness. happy new year to both of you. Its good to know that your husband is coping well. your strength is amazing, may God fill you up with more courage and peace.
lots and lots of love
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Thank you for your kind wishes for us. May your days be filled with joy and peace this coming year and always. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings to you, Trisha…
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waiting to see you back with us, like you were before.
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I’m waiting for it to happen, too. Everyday is a mystery unfolding. Blessings to you…
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Thanks so much for sharing this, Carol Ann. I think of you often and hope that you will have time to post more frequently again. 🙂
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I, too, hope to post more frequently. I’ve embarked on that journey several times only to have to delay another day, and then another and another. Thank you for stopping by. I am encouraged by your kindness. Blessings to you, Laura…
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