Cal was in Scotland for six weeks of doctoral research. Our home was still being remodeled by our friend, Jon, and Mallie, a student at Covenant College, who was to stay with me while Cal was gone, had a chance, last minute, to return to her family in Brazil.

Seems like as soon as I spoke of the joyfulness of life I've been tried and tested. My throat much worse with pain in my ear. Went to Dr. Newton who is checking for strep. Got on antibiotic. AJ & Grace sick & crabby. Grace crying herself to sleep tonight to the misery of everyone. I don't know how I can endure this long time without Cal to actively, practically head this family. Lord, grant us grace. I know it isn't right for me to burden Cal at this distance with my weakness, spiritual & physical. He must be free to accomplish his work. Lord, help me to see my help to him in this. Help me to help him & not to be a weight to him. Help me to turn to You, to know that You are my all, Give me grace not just to survive these days, but to bless my children, Mallie, the church, while loving them to the fullest for You & in You. And if it please You, dear Father, please heal & strengthen me physically. Or give me grace to live well for your sake in spite of my weakness.

Just found a hymn of Annie Johnson Flint & a wonderful melody to go with it.

He giveth more grace when the burden grows greater;
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

His love has no limit,
His grace has no measure;
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

(Annie Johnson Flint 1866-1932)