I’ve been silent for a season –
Like a music box without a jingle –
Or a songbird nesting – without a song –
Or a married lady abruptly single
How could there be nothing to say
From morning until the end of day –
‘Tis not that God has not been good
Nor that there’s no song to sing –
If you think I know the reason
For this season – well – I don’t
By Carol Ann Hoel © June 16, 2012
_______________________
Keeping you up to date…
Alzheimer’s disease maintains its hold on my husband; yet, we receive our daily healing. Challenges unendingly stalk us, but God answers prayers. Thank you all for your prayers for us.
Jesus provides both peace and comfort. He bore the cross to make us free. We are safe. And so are all of you who trust in Him.
There are good days and bad days in our journey, but one general direction prevails. One might conclude that there’s no hope, but we know that at the end of this hazardous trail lies the beginning of the rest of the story. The best is yet to come. Blessings to you all…
Carol Ann and Johannes
Cah4el's Blog 
It is in silence we hear and are comforted.
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Thank you, Patricia. This is true. Maybe I needed to hush myself and listen. Blessings to you…
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Thinking of you, Carol Ann. You’re so right, God answers prayers.
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Thank you, Laura. Yes, He does answer prayer. We are thankful for God’s mercy, grace, and faithfulness to hear us when we call.
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A season of silence now and then is probably a good thing for reflection and all and not having to respond. I imagine the silence may be particularly delightful for some around us.
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I’ve been resting, waiting, accepting, and, as you suggest, reflecting. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Carl.
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The other day in my devotions I read I Corinthians 5:18 that says “Now all things are of God…” It’s so hard for me to wrap my mind around that truth, but every time I read one of your posts, it seems to make a little more sense to me! Thank you for encouraging us all with your faithfulness.
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Thank you for encouraging me, Jacsprat. I appreciate your kind thoughts. Blessings to you…
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Blessings to you Carol Ann. 🙂
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Thank you, Elizabeth. Blessings to you, too…
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“It is not always to us to understand but to experience hope”
I forget who said that…but this poem reminded me of those words…
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Very well stated. I don’t understand much right now, nor have control over it, nor know what will happen next, but I trust the One who knows it all and gave His all for us. Thank you for taking time to stop by and comment, Michael. Blessings to you…
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Sometimes silence is what we need to examine what is within us. I’m glad you’re staying strong and are still able to see God’s blessings through your pain.
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Thank you, Janna. There is much wisdom in what you have said. I needed time to be quiet and listen and examine what is within. I appreciate your comment. Blessings to you, Janna…
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dearest friend,
hope days become peaceful and enbalming for your heart, soul and mind. silence is alright. but just let us know regularly that you and johannes are happy, peaceful.
love
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Thank you, Trisha. I should have taken time sooner. I cannot explain my reluctance. It’s true that the moments and hours fly by, and days disappear before I know they came, but I should have found the time. I appreciate you and all my blogging friends. Blessings to you…
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when you are too stuck up in world outside its easy to forget blogging friends. but they worry for you from heart.
do take care of yourself. Johannes is in our prayers too.
love and hugs.
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Continued prayers and blessings to you both.
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Thank you much for caring enough to stop by. We appreciate your prayers very much. Blessings to you, fivecats…
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It’s good to see a post from you, Carol Ann. I know you have struggled with time and silence. I’ve heard that once one begins writing, the words start to flow. A lady in my writers group who writes devotions imagines herself as a funnel, with God pouring words in, and then flowing out of her. Blessings to both of you.
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Thank you, Patti. My funnel needs service. The Holy Spirit is tuning it up. I know I can trust Him. You are right. Very soon I’ll be filled to overflowing. Blessings to you, my dear friend…
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I think of you and Johannes often, Carol Ann. Your grace and strength from the Good Lord above is always apparent. Blessings to you both always.
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Thank you, Bonnie. I thank God for your friendship. I appreciate your stopping by to encourage me. Blessings to you…
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Thank you for this lovely poem, Carol Ann. I rejoice that you find/make time to write, and I feel blessed that you share it with us here. Peace be with you and Johannes.
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Thank you, Jennifer. I appreciate your taking time to stop by with words of encouragement. Blessings to you…
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You are an inspiration. Thinking of you.
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Thank you, Christine. I am inspired by you. “Dancing in Heaven” acquainted me with you and your sweet family. Blessings to you…
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My heart goes out to you and your husband during this season in life. Silence is a reflecting time, a time of healing as well as a time of adjustment or acceptance. No matter, growth occurs from it. You are in the mighty hands of God — through His Love you will be able to find strength to continue on this journey. Many blessings to you in the days to come. Thank you for your visit.
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Thank you, Becca. I cannot explain my silence lately. I trust that my writing voice will return. I think you are right. Changes in my life are drawing near, and I must get with the program in my heart and mind. Blessings to you…
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Blessings to you for knowing that it is in the silence when we hear Him.
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Hi Tammy, I apologize for my late reply. I appreciate your stopping by with encouraging words. Blessings to you…
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Carol Ann,
Many times you are in my thoughts and I wonder how you are both doing. I wonder if you are surrounded by friends and family, I hope so. ❤
May the God of all comfort comfort you with the love only He can bestow. May he rejoice over you with singing and fill your hearts with Joy. May he strengthen your inner-most being and keep you in all your ways as you go through the dark unknown. And until that day when this old world is nothing more than a distant and fading memory may He fill you with His glorious presence and keep you in His peace. Amen!
Love and blessings,
Elizabeth
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Thank you, Elizabeth. You are kind to remember us. Thank you for the written prayer/blessing. We appreciate it very much.
Johannes is doing well considering that he has Alzheimer’s and suffered a massive stroke. His decline has been slow but steady. Stated in a truer way, his ascent has been slow but steady. His final departure/upgrade is unknown to me but arrangements in Heaven for his homecoming are no doubt underway.
We are alone in Dallas except for my brother. He suffers from MS, so he is unable to visit very often, but he and his partner help us in many ways. I cannot leave here without arranging for a sitter, and I cannot be gone for more than three hours. I have a neighbor that visits us daily. God is good. He provides our needs. I know he will take care of me when my sweet hubby spreads his wings and flies away. I love that old hymn, “I’ll Fly Away.” La la la la… Can you hear the music?
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“…the beginning of the rest of the story” is the perfect way of thinking of it, Carol Ann. I’m sure you have mixed emotions, though, knowing that when the time comes, his new life will be a joy for him, but a loss for you. During all our difficult times we remember Jeremiah 29:11. I also take seriously I Thess. 5:17-18, “Pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances,” as hard as some of those circumstances sometimes are. We just don’t understand what God has in mind, but we know he loves us and cares about what we’re going through.
Continuing to pray for both of you…
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Thank you, Carol. I long for Heaven where I’ll not only see the LORD, but others who have preceded me, whose departures from earth touched me deeply. I can imagine the rest of the story that Johannes will experience, speaking clearly, understanding, and expressing his feelings and desires without the hindrance of Alzheimer’s. One day at a time grace will be provided to me, and I’m depending on His provision that has enriched me in the past. God’s mercy and grace will be all that I need for the future. Jesus never fails.
This season of silence I don’t understand, but someday perhaps I will. I pray that soon I’ll be pouring out praises again in poetry. I’ll wait and surely words will come. Blessings to you, Carol…
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