Sunday, January 26, 2014

Words To Rest By


I closed the TH at 4 pm today. I needed to see Dad.




He is very weak, frighteningly so. However, some wonderful things occurred to make his suffering a little easier, and I will tell you about them tomorrow morning; but suffice it to say for now that the prayers of literally thousands of people around the world were heard last night and he passed a relatively peaceful night - no real sleep but at least no debilitating pain.

It's about time for the awful side effects of the medicine to take their best shot at him again. For any of you up, please do pray ...

Before I say good night, I want to share the Psalm I was privileged to read to Dad this evening. He reads a few Psalms every night before he goes to bed, and this was where he is up to. He reads the King James Version, but I'm also including the English Standard Version for another beautiful reading:


Psalm 4

King James Version (KJV)
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.


Psalm 4

English Standard Version (ESV)

Answer Me When I Call

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?Selah
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.
Be angry, and do not sin;
    ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.Selah
Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.
There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

As my voice faded into the stillness, Dad's voice, almost a whisper, said, "Read that last verse again."

And as he prepared to sleep, he commented, "What comfort can be derived from the Psalms! What a comfort to know we can simply rest in Him ..."

I, along with all of you I know, claim that last verse for him tonight. My family and I thank you for praying, thank you for caring about him. As one of Dad's favourite songs says, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God!"

28 comments:

  1. Love him and we are praying for him!!!

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  2. Love you all - special thoughts to you

    Allan - hang in there.

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  3. Thinking about you and praying. Xoxo

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  4. Praying.
    http://www.faithit.com/totally-unexpected-when-this-gifted-kid-opens-his-mouth-something-remarkable-happens/

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  5. Praying...so grateful to read this morning that you closed the Tea House to go and be with your dad. Yes, you need to be with him. He needs his family. Bless you all.

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  6. Thank you for keeping us updated...praying that you all have a restful night.

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  7. Hugs and prayers for you!

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  8. Good decision -I've been waiting for this post

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  9. Continuing to pray

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  10. that last verse is a fav.of mine & one I love to pass on to those in distress. powerful. ~ Praying.

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  11. Deborah Sharp WenmanJanuary 26, 2014 at 10:12 AM

    Oh Karyn, I am so sorry. Be safe on the roads -- and may the Lord give you wonderful memory times with your dad.

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  12. Jeanette Wiebe AustinJanuary 26, 2014 at 10:12 AM

    Praying

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  13. Edwin and Sarah ChelliJanuary 26, 2014 at 10:18 AM

    Dear Karyn,

    Know that our prayers are before the Lord for Uncle and your entire family. We love your Dad and know he is in God's hands. We are so thankful you are all there to take care of him.

    Please tell Uncle that everyone at the Bible College and Church are praying for him and give him our love.

    God's strength and blessings be upon you,

    Edwin and Sarah

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  14. Our hearts and prayers are with you, dear Karyn. Peace to you and your dear ones. xo

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  15. I like the fact that you are able to be with your Dad, Missed him at church this morning Phil. 3:10 That I might Know Him. We do get to know His care in our time of need. Praying for His will and His encouragement now.

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  16. Praying for and thinking about you all! Praying God gives peace and a sense of His presence to you all!

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  17. Just saw your post. Dawn and I are praying!

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  18. Karyn, your Dad is with me in prayer, as are you, Cathryn and your family. God bless.

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  19. Wishing everything good for you, your dad and your family, Karyn

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  20. Karyn, wishing your Dad well and peace be with you too. Thinking of you, Doris

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  21. Shanthini MackintoshJanuary 26, 2014 at 11:54 PM

    Praying!

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  22. Dear Aunty Karyn,
    All of the youth at Berean had a special time of prayer after the service yesterday for Grandpa. I continue to pray and hope for a speedy recovery. May God give all of your family His grace during this difficult situation.
    Psalm 91:1,11 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all they ways." Give my love to Grandpa.
    Chloe

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  23. Add my prayers to the many already being lifted up. Prayers for both healing and comfort for your Dad and for strength and comfort for you and the whole family. May God hold you all in his arms and give you love and joy.

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  24. I'm praying for your dad and your family... Arlin

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  25. I'm glad you're with your dad. Right choice by a loving daughter. I pray for your dad's return to health.

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  26. "Little Dawn" JacksonJanuary 27, 2014 at 1:53 PM

    Thinking of you guys! Sending hugs and prayers

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  27. Oh dear Karyn what happened to our Dear Br Ironside will be praying for him

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  28. Praying for Dr. Ironside

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