"Pray for Talitha"

Talitha is in a rough spot. Her mouth is full of miserable sores, the "aftershock" result of the methotrexate. She's no longer dehydrated but her bone marrow production of stem cells is not yet keeping pace with the dying off of the rapidly replicating cell structures the chemo attacks.

Even in her painful condition, I'm moved to tears by her ability to be positive with each challenge that comes, some of which have become routine. For example, she recieves a shot each day to stimulate the bone marrow. She knows when the shot is coming now and whimpers and cries to let us know she'd rather we all just go away and leave her alone. Then the pain of the shot hits. But through her cries that quickly subside she exclaims in her little voice, "yay!"--a mimick of what she has repeatedly heard her parents say after she bravely takes her pokes and prods.

Oh, she is a valiant little soul. How much we can learn from little children!

As I was eating dinner in the hospital cafeteria, I looked down and saw the light blue wristband "PRAY FOR TALITHA". Thank goodness for prayer! It really can change the night to day.

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I received an email from a dear friend this week that helped me see new depth to the very familiar Psalm 23. I don't know who the author is as this portion of the email was forwarded. Maybe you will see these beautiful words in a new light too:

The Lord is my Shepherd----that's a relationship!

I shall not want----that's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures----that's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters----that's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul----that's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness----that's Guidance!

For His name's sake----that's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death----that's Testing!

I will fear no evil----that's Protection!

For Thou art with me----that's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me----that's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies----that's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil----that's Consecration!

My cup runneth over----that's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life----that's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord----that's Security!

Forever----that's Eternity!