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Coats and Preachers

The rain has stopped and the sun is out.

The weather is cool and crisp.

It is really wonderful here in south Arkansas.

I have baked and cooked. I have changed all the summer clothes out and put winter clothes in the closets.

And I have failed to get any of the boys coats for this season. It seems that that would be an easy, almost unspoken task. One that I would do every September. But apparently not. It is cold and they have no coats. But as much as they run around when they are outside, I don't even think they notice they need coats! And I'll get them coats soon!

On a more personal note.

I haven't told you lately how much I love my husband.

It has been a difficult year for him and an even worse last couple of months. Through all of the turmoil that we have been living in, we have become closer and have fallen in a deeper love with each other than ever before.

He is an only child and both of his parents have faced medical challenges since this summer. His dad had a heart attack in July, his mother had a brain aneurysm(that thankfully the doctor found) and had it contained soon after. And now she is going in for another procedure next week that will, we are praying, eleviate the pain she has been feeling for 8 years. Nothing is life threatening. It just seems that it hit all at once, and with Stephen being an only child the burden and responsibility is all on him. (I am now an advocate of having more than one child!!!! If only for the future spouses sake!!)

Back in March when I went to see Beth Moore (oh my goodness it was so good!!!) she repeated a comment shared with her by a pastors wife. The comment was "sometimes sheep bite". At the time I thought it poignant, but not applicable to my life. Now, I find it applicable to my life. Pastors are called to be shepherds of Jesus' flock. His church. And sometimes the sheep bite.

I have asked before, but if you have a pastor. If he is your friend or you only see him when he stands in the pulpit. If you are in a church of 30, 130, or 1300. If you have a pastor, love on him. He is a man called of God. His job isn't easy. It may look easy. A couple of sermons a week, golf with a church member,etc... But it isn't easy. And sometimes the sheep bite.

Love on him this month. Even if it is a card, a pat on the back telling him you love him, a note to his wife(this is my favorite idea!HA!), or a loaf of bread (thank you Mrs. Ava!). Let him know you love him and then pray for him. Pray for protection from the enemy. He loves you and prays for you!

I hope this is a glorious weekend for you!
Julie

Comments

Kelley said…
Julie,

I couldn't agree more with your post. I am so sorry that you have been going through all of this. My Dad was so sick last year. He was diagnosed with everything until he had a heart attack. (He had been seeing a cardiologist for years.) I understand about what that means for an only child. I thought a lot about that when we considered having a second child. I wanted a sibling for Mary-Kate so she wouldn't have to face things alone or have to take care of her Dad or me by herself. I was so thankful that my brother was here to help me with Dad. Being an only child is special yet comes with a tremendous responsibility later on. I pray for both your your in-laws and your husband. It is a real shame that sheep bite, but they do.

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