SPRING IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Yesterday I did a quick trip up to D.C. to meet my sister-in-law for lunch and with a few extra hours I re-visited a favorite spot. I'd worked behind the Senate office buildings where there are some beautiful little parks planted with dogwood and azaleas as only D.C. does...over and above.

Just as they were in previous springs it was a picture perfect stroll; a shower the night before had blown most of the petals from the dogwoods in two particular areas so the sidewalk was completely pink...lots of big puffy white clouds overhead and the azaleas in full bloom made it well worth the brisk hike up Capitol Hill. There's a carillon there too and walking around it reading the tributes to men of integrity, wisdom, compassion who had served in the two houses of congress I was convicted to spend my time returning through the Capitol grounds in prayer for those already serving and those who would be elected to serve in the coming elections.

As I continued my walk down Pennsylvania Avenue I was approached by a demonstrator who asked if she could hand me her literature proclaiming we "GET OUT OF GITMO". I told her absolutely not to which she replied "Oh, you're pro-torture"; "no," I said, "I'm pro-American"which earned me a snort of derision as she stomped away.

Well, it didn't ruin my walk but made me grateful for Who walks with me as I saw only anger and bitterness in her countenance and made me very thankful for the hope I have and the fact that Christ not only sees the big picture but, as Colossians says 'holds it all together'.

Sue is still tolerating the antibiotics well but there has been some concern with a possible infection at the source of the PICCLINE so please pray for that to clear up.

Thanks for tuning in.

M.

"Now to Him Who, by the power that is at work within us, is able to do superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams"... Ephesians 3:20 Amplified Bible

I was so glad someone shared this verse, in this version at Dana and Sue's Small Group Bible Study the night before our appointment with Sue's Lymes physician. The fact that she isn't yet experiencing relief in her symptoms has been discouraging and Dr. G. affirmed what he'd originally told us, 'it can take a long time of treatment to see change'. He also began a second antibiotic to more aggressively treat the Lymes (this one goes after the cyst form of Lymes) and recommended she have a one-time consultation with another Lymes doctor who is tops in his field, and fortunately, in CA.

Sue is tolerating the heavy doses of antibiotics, the weekly blood tests that monitor her liver prove that and we're grateful that is true and pray that will be the case with the new drug added.

So, back to my opening verse, the gal who shared it with us had an absolutely amazing story to tell of how God had worked 'superabundantly, far over and above all that she had dared ask or think, infinitely beyond her highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams". And that is what we are believing and praying for Sue, regardless of what we see now, we know that God's part of her story isn't finished by far.

It's such a joy to see Sue interact with people; her arms are outstretched in greeting to show how glad she is to see them, her smile is radiant, and her words (even though they are harder for her to speak) are full of love and encouragement. She truly is a blessing to people, even when it's tough going.

So now, I'm back in NC until next month, grateful for the opportunities He gives to go out and be a part of their lives.

Thanks for praying and staying in touch. I actually have decided I need to blog weekly or not at all so I'm going to giveweekly a try til the end of summer. Feel free to hold me accountable if you read this and don't see one in a week.

Maxine

PS The other big news from CA was Alisha assisting as their mama goat, Lilly, gave birth to 2 baby goats; unfortunately a bobcat or coyote got one the next night but the other is fine and thriving.

They're looking forward to being here for a few weeks in June so plan on coming by to see them.