Thank you, dear Heavenly Father, for the preached Word today. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. How I long to know God, to know His presence. Yet it seems He withholds these sensations from me, or perhaps my sin stands in the way. My mind continues to be plagued by confusion, or confused seasons, regarding the turmoil in the church's session. Last night I got my desire and heard more of the present conflict, but this morning, in the sanctuary, the knowledge of it, coupled with my sense of bereavement was too much. I had prayed to meet the Lord in worship today.l From before the start of worship I wept--wept for weariness, for sorrow, for my own sin---even of self-pity. At one time I even thought I would have to leave. Then after it seemed I got myself under control I turned my face to hear the sermon. And it was as if he took a bow and arrow and shot right at my heart. I hope to get the tape and listen carefully so I know what all I learned. But it was so pointedly for me that by the end of the sermon I knew that I had my answers--that God was indeed present in crafting this sermon for and into my heart. Father, thank you for showing me your tender and merciful lovingkindness. Now help me to live for You.

Susan finished and framed "Godliness with contentment is great gain" for Leigh Ann Duhm & gave it to her today. A thank you gift for all the clothing LA has given her over the past several years. It was a beautiful little piece.

Today was as blessed as last Sunday was a difficult blessing. We had the Greers over along with the Lindleys, Bryan Walter, Renee, Megan Vanderhart, David Rowe; It was a blessing to get to know the Greers a bit. Hearing how the Greers came to reformed faith from a Baptist culture was such an encouragement. Encouraging that God is bringing people to faith and godliness from all over in all sorts of ways. Encouraging that God might bring new people to our church.

It seems good to go ahead and use your book, Susan dear, as my own journal. I got this down just now to do so, it having occurred to me today that it would be helpful to my spiritual life to once again record God's mercies. But when I first sat with it open I closed it again and returned it to the shelf because it seems so much your book as I've begun it. But as I reshelved it, I realized that practically I shall rarely have times to write exclusively of you. It was a bold project I started to keep a journal for each of my children. But when I began it with David's in 1985 I never realized I'd have the seven of you precious children, or how demanding & consuming life would be with all of you in training. So perhaps one day my notes might be of help to you and your siblings, but now I use your book and pray that God will meet me here as I recount His Word and His work in my life.

I saw you today, dear daughter, in your blossoming youthful beauty. And how healthy you look. Standing in the living room telling us something this afternoon, I saw the roses in your cheeks and your perfect skin & beautiful eyes. But far greater blessing is God's touch, no, God's clutch on your life. May you serve Him well. And with things even greater than piano accompaniment and pecan pie and French bread. May He give you a sweet patience toward your siblings. May He save you from an arrogant spirit, puffed up with knowledge.

Today the Lord blessed me with sermons and psalms and hymns and grace. I went to bed last night with apprehensions about today. We'd gained a large dinner table list, including several who have been at odds with us and our other guests. But through the night the relationships worked out in sweetness in my dreams & I woke with expectation. I know the Lord is teaching us to love one another--even while we stand for truth. I think we have an opportunity to be examples of this to some others. I pray the Lord will make it so.