A CUP OF HOPE...part 2

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
Psalm 116:13

Kathryn’s desire to grow in understanding of the Bible became more evident, as her visits became frequent and lasted longer! Now, she enjoyed the visits...as friends..no longer the obligation of "feeling sorry for the American".

Having “tea” together became our signature time.

Over a month’s time in learning however, it brought about some dilemma in her life. Her boyfriend was not happy about her new life in Christ. He didn’t like her spending so much time with me. He accused her of following people. So, I suggested to my hearts dismay…that she not visit and just read on her own and live the example before him, so that he could see it was the Lord in her life and not the influence of people; but the true God of salvation.

He would have to see for himself the change in heart was by the Holy Spirit of God and that she was at peace with God now and had joy in knowing God personally.
We talked by telephone from time to time, but it was hard to have this separation at this time in my life…I was confident that we had studied enough of the Bible for a foundation to be laid for her to build upon in her spiritual growth. The desire was there also.

Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Psalm 119:129-130

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think he have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. St. John 5:39

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

God would do the work that needed to be done in her heart and his.

As the weeks passed, Stephen’s condition was deteriorating and he was requiring more oxygen. Each day, I knew I faced the possibility of his death. The phone would ring and I’d brace myself, but the call was usually my husband’s job calling him for information or the necessity of a trip he’d have to make.

And he did…a trip to Spain was on the agenda. A week or more. I’d be alone with the children, but Claudine was always nearby. I’d be okay.

The days passed with our usual routine…kids going to school, playing and needing their usual attention and a visit once in a while from Claudine or her mother in law. I wasn’t able to visit Stephen due to the weather conditions. I did not drive in the snow and with my husband gone; I’d have to wait on his return. The nurses however called often to let me know how Stephen was from day to day. Those calls…were hard. Some of the nurses did not speak English and so I would only hear simple words to tell me he was still alive.

"Stephen est correct aujourd'hui"

My prayers were continually for strength: to be of good courage and help my children get through this time that was affecting their lives as well. I read them their usual nightly Bible stories and we'd sing, giving them assurance that there was peace still in our home...

and explaining to them that Stephen will one day go to Heaven.