Me again.

I found a plug-in, so thought I'd take advantageof it long enough to give you all a meaningful update since we've been out of touch for the past couple of days.

But first, I have a little story . . . When I told Jeff's mom about our computer problems she blamed it on the devil, but I refuse to flatter him by giving him any credit. Only God is powerful enough to inflict this kind of suffering. Really. I'm not talking about the computer problems, of course, but the entirety of this incredible situation. One of my all-time favorite books ("Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis) has a passage where two devils are discussing their frustration with the fact that although they are perceived by humans as having superior powers to inflict pain and suffering even THEY have not been able to use suffering the way God does. The book hypothesizes that God chooses those he loves the most to suffer the most in order to vex the devil. God chooses his favorites to bear unimaginable suffering and pain because he knows that, even then, they will not turn from him. In doing so, God uses the devil's own tools with more purpose and effect than the devil himself, because through this unimaginable suffering, God's chosen ones actually draw CLOSER to God and refuse to seek relief by rejecting him or turning elsewhere (to the devil) for help. So, I suppose I should be flattered or grateful that God has chosen Jeff and me and our children (and all of our family, really) to suffer so much.

You know what they say . . . "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." But I'd still prefer life to give me Pina Coladas.

However, so many of you are making "lemonade" for us! Thank you to Kevin and all the other Aardvarks for arranging a benefit concert. I'll be sure to post the details here on the blog. Thanks also to Cathy of the Houston N.D. club for taking us under her wing. You have been the source of so many blessings: airport transportation, a rental car, home deliveries! I can't thank you enough! There are too many "Thank Yous" to list here, but I assure you we think of all of you everyday with humility and gratitude.

I have to sign off for the moment. I need to get home to Jeff--and I'm absolutely BAKING in the sunny window of this cafe. It is supposed to be 63 degrees in Houston today. It's sunny and warm--great flying weather for Jeff's mom who arrives for a Houston shift this afternoon. Which means I'll be flying home on Saturday! I'll try to keep posting in the meantime. Please keep praying for Jeff to gain strength and for him to continue to persevere.

Kelly