Here’s what I wrote in my journal a month later.* I was disappointed because we couldn’t have our annual Christmas party at the shop because of Mark’s job in North Dakota, and it looked like he may not even make it home for Christmas.

* This is a sequel to a post. Anxiety Strikes Again

From the journal . . . . December 2013

Jesus, thank you for being active in my life.  I was disappointed about the shop party but I’m feeling good about it now.  I love You.  Mark is doing well.  He thinks they may finish on Thursday, and he should be here before Christmas.  Today is pretty crucial.  Lord, You are so faithful.  It’s a miracle, I think. Christmas plans looked so so bleak.  What are you teaching us through this, I wonder. 

And I Believe God Said:

To always trust Me.  You belong to Me.  This season in your life adds to your history of belonging to Me.   Mark has drawn closer to Me, apart from you.  He needs and wants your encouragement, but he needs to know Me as his anchor.  I am the strong shelter.  You can relax and just love him.  I am who he needs to depend on.

Psalm 100:3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!  He made us, and we are His.
    We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Hebr 6:19. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem,
    a firm and tested stone.
It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on.
    Whoever believes need never be shaken.

This was a challenging time for us individually and in our marriage for various reasons, but here we are years later: alive and well to tell about it. God has taught me that every season we go through adds to our history of belonging to Him   This is the good news and we need to proclaim it!

John 4:1-30. The woman at the well.

²⁸ The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, ²⁹ “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”

Ps 75: 9 But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
    I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

 Luke 8:38-39 The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, ³⁹ “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.