Swelling:  The abdominal swelling is getting worse rapidly with various pains and malfunctions.  Unless God intervenes, my course will be finished soon.  It appears that the prayers of saints, so many of them, are being overridden by the prayer of the Lord Jesus – “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24).  The Great High Priest has prayed that His elect be with Him.  What can we do or say, but bow to His sovereignty, and that, gladly?  Destined for glory with the Lord Jesus!  I put my hands over my face for such marvelous, matchless, infinite grace.

Trip:  Terri and I had hoped and prayed for one more trip together, especially to see newly married James and Bethany in their ‘new’ house in San Antonio along with all the saints.  It began to appear impossible, but faith came and the next day (Wed., 29^th) we were on the road, and we met with the saints at Denton, TX, that night, arriving in SA the next afternoon.  It was so special to gather with the church on the Lord’s Day.  Everything in the temple said, “Glory” (Psalm 29:9).  We arrived back Monday night, none too soon as internal bleeding had come back, but I’m so thankful to say that it was soon healed.

Casket:  Jared’s came about 3 p.m., and the boys, Jared, Zachary, and Evan, after some solemn tears together, began building the casket, and finished with some joy – O grave where is your victory?  Raymond and Jaben spray painted the handles, we swept up, the family sang Abide with Me, and we said good-bye, purposing to be on our way with work to do.  Great realities!  Without Christ, all would be very dark.  With Him, all is filled with hope – the resurrection, heaven, sinlessness, 2^nd coming, the presence of Christ who so loved even me.  There will be one more trip for the Christian.