My strength and my courage is the LORD (Update on Deb for Monday, October 8, 2007)

Dear Ones,

Tonight, Charity has provided the following update, knowing how much the Lovers of Deb Smith are lifting Deb and the whole family up to God in prayer and thanksgiving:

First, I haven't had to make a meal in about two weeks, thanks to the meals from friends. What a gift!

Nellie, Zach and I returned home from Ashley later last week. We spent several days at our mom's bedside, and were relieved to see her temperature go down.

She is still sleeping most of the day and night. She is getting great care from family and her nurses. Her situation still remains critical.

As of last Thursday, her main hospice nurse said that her life expectancy, based on the symptoms she sees, is a few days or a week.

Love,
Charity

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God, indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
(Isaiah 12:2)

In God Alone is my salvation!

Today God has drawn close to Deb through the Psalms of David. Darla notes that,

"It is truly wonderful to read scriptures to Deb and watch her drinking them in."

In the next few posts to Loving Deb Smith, Deb will share those Scripture passages that have ministered deeply to her today, in hopes that they will do the same for you. Please use these passages as you continue to pray for Deb and her family. Thank you! Here are the first few:

Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah.
(ESV)

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
(NASB)

Psalm 71:20
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
(NIV)

Psalm 62: 1-2
My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
(NIV)

Psalm 94: 18-19
If I say , "My foot slips,"
Your mercy , O Lord, will hold me up.
In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul

Psalm 34: 18-19
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed.
Many are the troubles of the just, but the LORD delivers from them all.
God watches over all their bones; not a one shall be broken.