Monday, September 15, 2014

AARON AND HUR ARMS


You know, we're not meant to live life alone.

Of course, our lives as believers are inextricably intertwined with the Lord.  He is beside us, before us, and within us.  We are forever linked…

But, while we walk on this earth, we can sometimes feel awfully alone.

Alone with our thoughts and feelings.  Alone with our struggles and suffering. Alone with our fears and temptations.

We pray…oh how we pray.

But sometimes, we can still feel alone and helpless and distressed.

I find myself feeling this way lately.

My friends, I am in a season of wildernessa dry and difficult season.  I know I have shared before, and I certainly hope I'm not belaboring the point, but it's true – I am struggling.

This is supposed to be the year of JOYand yet, I cannot remember a more difficult year.  The details are not important.  I know you've felt the same. Times when it takes energy to explain the circumstances, and you're *just not feeling it.*  That's OK, because what's really important is to let someone know how you're doing...how you're really doing.


So here I am.

Letting you know.

I actually just wrote an email to a friend of mine, asking her to pray for me. In it I mentioned that I needed some *Aaron and Hur arms* to help uphold me.  That got me thinking.

So I checked out the story from the Bible:

"So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.  As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.  When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it.  Aaron and Hur held his hands up – one on one side, one on the other – so that his hands remained steady till sunset.  So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword."  (From Exodus 17, NIV)


Yes, Joshua overcame.  And Moses helped…with the added aid of some very close friends.

I love that the Lord doesn't expect us to walk the journey of faith alone.  In fact, He calls us to be in community:

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25, NLT)


In the past, I have gone through years when I didn't go to church.  And it was hard.  I believe that the enemy of our souls likes it that way.  It seems to me that he enjoys "isolating us from the herd" his attacks are more effective when we aren't in fellowship.

Why?

Because community brings the solace and encouragement and strength that we desperately need and seek.


Let's look at that story from Exodus again:

Moses was undoubtedly doing exactly what God had called him to do. God had instructed Moses time and again how to utilize the staff to accomplish His purposes.

So I'm pretty sure that God told Moses to hold up that staff.  And I'm betting that He told Moses what would happen if he did.

But, here's the part that I love.

Moses, his heart willing, his actions obedient, was doing what God told him to do.

But, he grew tired.

(Don't we all??)

So Moses needed help.


Read Matthew Henry's commentary:

"[Note] the care that was taken for the support of Moses.  When he could not stand any longer he sat down…when he could not hold up his hands, he would have them held up.  Moses, the man of God, is glad of the assistance of Aaron…and Hur…We should not be shy either of asking help from others or giving help to others, for we are members one of another.  Moses' hands, thus stayed, were steady till the going down of the sun…"


Moses relied on the assistance of others to sustain his efforts at doing what God wanted him to do.

For he was tired and weary.

His spirit was willing, but his flesh grew weak.

This is when the Body of Christ is most needed, most greatly appreciated, and most richly rewardedwhen we stand alongside each other, supporting each other with prayer, and sometimes with a helping hand, listening ear, or shoulder to cry on.


More from Matthew Henry:

"The church's cause is, commonly, more or less successful according as the church's friends are more or less strong in faith and fervent in prayer."


The church united in intercessory prayer is a powerful weapon. Friends supporting others during difficult times become emissaries of the Lord Himself.  They bring His comfort and peace and encouragement.

They become the Spirit of the Living Lord to each other.

This is Biblical truth, I believe.  We know that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  And so, in some mysterious way, the presence of God can literally be experienced in the company of others.

The Aarons and Hurs in our lives are the arms that uphold us when we are weak and weary.  They are the ones who strengthen us, and help us stand firm.


And so, I am turning to you guys.  

Would you pray for me?

Could you be the arms that help me hold up my hands in faith?

I'll tell you why I'm asking.

Because I need it…

…and because it works!

So, how can I also pray for you this week?




In Christ we,
though many,
form one body,
and each member
belongs to all the others.



"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." (Proverbs 12:25, ESV)

"Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.  Say to those with anxious heart, 'Take courage, fear not.  Behold, your God will come…He will save you.'" (Isaiah 35:3-4, NASB)

"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful…Therefore strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed." (Hebrews 12:11-13, NASB)

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT)

"Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." (Ephesians 4:29, NLT)

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But someone who falls alone is in real trouble…A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.  Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12, NLT)

"'For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.'" (Matthew 18:20, ESV)

"…may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another…" 
(1 Thessalonians 3:12, NASB)


And here are the words that Jesus prayed over us:

"'…Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.'" (Luke 22:31-32, ESV)

"'I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.'" (John 17:13, ESV)



How can I pray for you?  

(Please leave a prayer request in your comment)



Linked with:

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BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

46 comments:

  1. I will continue to pray for you, sweet sister. The Lord is using you in a mighty way by just posting the things you share on your blog. I wish my arms were long enough to give you a hug :) God bless you, sweet friend.

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  2. Ahhh my dearest Sharon ... holding up your arms and YOU continually in my prayers just like Aaron and Hur! We all need them in our lives and our personal struggles. I am sure that your vulnerability and honest raw emotions are really helping us or someone besides you. Since it is therapeutic to write and express your thoughts (ramble like me if you must) but get it out there. I frequently need clarity of mine (and I'm not the one diagnosed with Alzheimer). So I think on this and how dreadful it will be as I mentally prepare, I get weary and overwhelmed knowing yet not being able to do anything about it --- that helpless sense --- like when I "once upon a time" experienced panic attacks (seemingly to me out of nowhere). I, for one understand and I think you know my prayer request(s), at least my biggest one, which is the one that counts! I'm a little disappointed that this email was not being written to me (lol) but I know that you know I am near and dear, praying and holding you (and your dear mom) up in my prayers. Sending a BIG virtual HUG and letting you know what you know: You are not alone even when you feel lonely or alone. Besides God (I am there with you)...
    even from way down here ... you're always welcome to take a break and come see ... I love you Sharon! Many blessings from God, sis and a fresh outlook of JOY ... it's there too ... even if it's hidden a bit! You and your reflections bring much JOY even when they are sad and mounting struggles ... Find rest, peace and comfort ... love, Peggy (sorry I am not signed in)

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  3. Yes, I will be praying for you this week. It was not long ago I asked two women to pray for me, sharing this story of Moses and his friends helping. I, too, am in a wilderness time....and can use prayers to keep my focus on Jesus and off of circumstances and symptoms. Just read a post that spoke about the Light winning. Yes, the victory is found in Jesus. Wrapping you in prayer.

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  4. I have been studying about Moses, Aaron, and Hur myself, so I enjoyed reading this! I was focused on Moses naming the altar,Jehovah Nissi (The Lord is My Banner), which took me to Isaiah 59:19...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a Banner against him. Visit my blog at somuchathome.blogspot.com. I host a link up each Wednesday that runs for a full week, so you can link up your posts anytime.
    God bless.

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  5. It's a privilege to pray for you!

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  6. I'm praying for you, Sharon. I know (really I do) how difficult it can be in a season of "alone-ness". You are right about the isolation thing. The enemy loves to discourage us and try to keep us out of fellowship with other believers. I've had that experience over this past year. Now that I'm back in the place we consider home, we have already reconnected at our church and with friends. And you know what? I already feel better...stronger...more connected with God. The Body of Christ is such an important thing. I pray that in your new community, you find connection with other believers that will encourage you, give you strength and help you to feel your joy once again.

    Blessings, Joan

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  7. I'm sorry this season is long, Sharon. :( We never like these times. I am praying for you now to feel rest from others who are holding your arms up. Peace and joy WILL return. Keep holding on until then. Blessings to you!

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  8. This is for you today. From Glennon Melton of Momastery.com

    "There is a term in carpentry called Sistering. Sometimes an existing joist, which was designed to handle a certain load can no longer handle its load alone. Maybe it was damaged by water or fire. Maybe it still has structural integrity but an addition is being constructed and the new load is going to be a lot heavier than before. Either way, now it is not as sturdy as it needs to be.

    When a builder needs to strengthen that joist, she puts a new member right next to the original one and fastens the two together. Sometimes, two new joists are needed- one on either side.
    Do you know what they call that?

    A Sister Joist."

    YES, YES, YES, CARRY THE WEIGHT TOGETHER. WE'RE WITH YOU, SISTERS. SISTER ON.

    Thank you for linking with Unforced Rhythms.

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  9. So true Sharon that we are not supposed to walk alone and do this life alone; we do need the Aaron's and Hur's in our lives to carry us along when we are tired and need encouragement. Keeping you in my prayers, Sharon. My request, job for son and some type of something for hubby in the line of employment too :) thanks! I know God will hear each and everyone of our prayers and answer them in his perfect timing and will and way.

    betty

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  10. Oh, my dear, sweet friend! I am holding you up in prayer...wish I could just see you face to face, and we could bow our heads and pray together in person. Mom used to tell me often, "Cheryl, prayer is a long-range weapon." Thank God, it can reach as far as it needs to! You are blessing so many by your transparency...for we are all broken and needy and tired from the battle. God is so faithful to place those in our lives who will sustain us and make sure our arms and spirits are upheld. Keep pressing on, my friend, and know that victory is just ahead. I am here for you...always.

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  11. Yes, I always feel that bond of strength when thinking about Aaron and Hur. When our strength is gone, the joint effort is all the more beautiful. I love "justbebeth" and the "sister joist" ... my husband built our home and his explanation of that principle fits so well with Aaron and Hur.
    Caregiving can be extremely draining as we well know and I just want you to know that your arms (and heart) are being lifted up and held in this season. I am praying for you, Sharon.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

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  12. I understand that season, Sharon - I'm in it, too - and, yes - Aaron and Hur prayer make a difference. Holding you up in prayer, friend, that God hedge you in front ahd behind, that his angels encamp about you - and that you sit in the shadow of his wings. I pray that you feel the confidence of his plan for you - and that you see yourself as He sees you - no matter how others see you! Thank you Father that you never abandon us nor forsake us - and that nothing is wasted - not even the challenge.
    Maryleigh

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  13. May we be reminded that our great Intercessor JESUS is praying for all of us that our faith fail not and that we be strengthened in might. I am also so thankful that the blessed Holy Spirit comes along side us to pray with his often groanings and utterances that only God understands. I have been praying for you each night as I name those persons on my heart, and know that you are being held up by all of us Aaron and Hur persons. Thank you for your faithfulness to share encouragement with us here at "Tell Me a Story." And this post does bless and encourage us all.

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  14. I so appreciate what you're saying here Sharon. My emotions have been so out of control for most of my life that I don't even know if I understand normal? I will pray for you to have peace. Please pray for me to believe in intimacy and vulnerability and to allow people in real life to be part of my mess because maybe somebody out there could love me for me.

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  15. I'm praying for you, sister. Pour out your heart in prayer and words. Every season has a purpose, and this one will be no different. May our Father pour His mercy, grace, and wisdom out on you as you make your way through the valley by His hand. You're not alone, Sharon.

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  16. I am praying for you now...Like Jesus said...I pray that Sharon's faith will not fail, and that the Lord will keep Sharon from the evil one. In Jesus I pray~Amen~

    Hang in there, dear friend. I believe it won't be long now until we are all together with the Lord...

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  17. I don't know if I have ever told you this, but that is my absolutely all time no question FAVORITE story in the old testament. Considering how many others I love with an everlasting love, you can imagine just how much I love that one.

    I can remember a sermon preached by an old pastor years (decades now) ago. I can remember him looking out at us and asking if we every felt like Moses, Aaron, and Hur wondering if anyone was out there fighting... or like Joshua, looking up to the mountain wondering if anyone was up there praying.

    I will and AM helping to lift the staff of God on your behalf, Sharon. These prayer arms are very weak right now so I don't know how strong your "Hur" is, but she is truly trying not to forsake in prayer.

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  18. Sorry for the 4,728 typos. I got carried away typing that because that's a passionate subject for me right now.

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  19. Sharon count me in for prayers. And you know it is darkest before the dawn - I hope and pray something really wonderful is about to happen for or to you! Hugs.

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  20. Sharon, I commented but for some reason it did not take. Hummmm, never give up. I hear your heart my wise hearted sister. Those alone times, dry times, lean time, what ever they are called are not something we look forward to for sure. Yet after you have been through a few you learn to wait and pray, wait and cry, wait and share, wait and hope, wait and trust, wait till He decided enough is enough, she is ready for my next assignment for her. How I wish I could tell you have joy in those times but I don't, not the kind I want but I will say there is a quiet calming sense that God is going to use this time to prepare me for an enlargement. Waiting and praying with you.

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  21. Hi Sharon, As always I relate to so much of what you are sharing. I have been in a bit of a wilderness also and it seems for some time now, but the joy of what awaits me at the end, keeps me going. I feel many christians are feeling this way, various members of my church and my family seem to be undergoing all kinds of trials and tribulations, uncertainty, depression, physically unwell. I like Chatty Crone's comment, that it is darkest before dawn. Lifting you in prayer now

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  22. Hi Sharon, I will most certainly pray for you but I also want to thank you. We have been away from church too for a while and yes, I sense the negative impact of that. You have encouraged me to get back to the "herd" and join in the fellowship and be there for others and have others be there for me. Thank you sweet lady
    God bless
    Tracy

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  23. Praying for you, Sharon, and I know the wilderness well in this time too. Besides asking for help (which is important), I believe this story illustrates the beauty of simply seeing someone needs help and helping them. We have to be honest and open for someone to do that, of course (or vice versa), but what a wonderful thing. To know, to see, to help--just because it's needed. Thanks Sharon.

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  24. We're banding together the many Aaron's and Hurs...praying for you! He's got this Sharon!

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  25. Whispered a prayer for you Pam. I can relate so well to what you have written. Going through a bit of dry season myself. May God water each of our souls. Blessings.

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  26. I'm praying for you with "her" arms raised...looks like you've a grand community of "her" arms holding you high. xoxo

    I am also very encouraged that even in Moses' "exact obedience" he got tired. Girl, I'm tired too!! I love that God asks us to do hard things...things that are impossible until He connects us with the right people, those willing to fetch rocks and hold arms...it's been a long time in coming but I also have some "her" arms and love that with their help, I'm finding it possible--not easy--but finally possible to hold my arms strong until night with their help. I pray God brings yours.

    Also, as you mention your hard year of "joy" I'm reminded that weeping may endure for the night but joy cometh in the morning... Maybe your year is one that will birth lifelong joy in the morning. Lord, may it be. Thank You the sun shall rise again. Every day. I pray your day comes quickly.

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  27. I will so totally pray for you, Sharon! I want to be your Aaron and Hur arms... I love that you brought this up because I am terrible at asking for help but am realizing that really, it is kind of a form of worship.

    Thanks for making me think and encouraging me to seek help. Praying for you, sweet sister :-)

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  28. Sweet, Sharon. I'm honored to pray for you. Honored to help hold you up, or prod you along, whatever you need to make it through this wilderness. There are flowers in the desert, you know. I'm praying the Lord will open your eyes to see them.

    I'm bad about asking for prayer for myself, but since you asked. . . there is a lot of stress in our lives right now. We're taking a road trip next week, so please pray that we can 'let go and let God' - rest and rejuvenate. Thank you, dear friend.

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  29. None of us can be a "Lone Ranger" when it comes to our faith. We need each other to remain steadfast. Saying' a prayer for you, my friend. May your spirit soar on wings like an eagle's.

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  30. Praying for you and also nodding my head through out this whole piece. Everywhere I turn women are telling me this also. I have said exactly what you said, Satan wants us isolated. Gathering together...through church or a group of friends, or one friend or even through blogging, it allows us to join with the Body of Christ to fight off his plans. We are more than conquerors!! through Christ Jesus. May your wilderness come to an end.....or maybe the Lord is preparing a lot of us for what is coming, so we can stand strong when others who no longer can. May we lift up their arms for the battle.

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  31. Joining this wonderful group in lifting you up in prayer and honored to hold you up. Praying He will cover you with His strength and peace. Thanks so much for linking this at Counting My Blessings.

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  32. Hi Sharon, I found my way to your blog via Christina's Make My Saturday Sweet. Nothing is coincidence for a child of God. I will keep you in my prayers. It is good that you are sharing your burdens. Galatians 6:2 actually says that when we bear each other's burdens we fulfill the law. So important, but so difficult at times.
    My year of JOY, a while back, was one of the most difficult years of my life, and I did not remember until late that year that this is what joy is for...strength. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Lean on Him.
    Love and blessings.

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  33. Great words here: "The church's cause is, commonly, more or less successful according as the church's friends are more or less strong in faith and fervent in prayer." Thanks for sharing this encouraging post. Blessings!

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  34. Holding your arms up friend and stopping by from The Weekend Brew to have a cup of coffee with you too. :)

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  35. praying for you Sharon and someone once told me this and I want to tell you the same - 'this too shall pass.' He has forgotten about you...He never will....but I think sometimes He brings us to a place where there's nothing but Him and then like the sun coming out after the rain, He opens a way to fill up our lives again. Stay strong and know, He's got you smack dab right in the middle of His hands. Safest place I think to be...hugs and prayers.

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  36. I'm sorry for the hard times you are going through..... life can be tough - this has been one of "those years" for me also. Thank you for sharing this. :)

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  37. Standing with you and holding you up in prayer my friend!

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  38. Oh, how I love this!!! I love the part: He had to sit down. I have always "got" the part that he had to have his hands held up but he was so tired he had to sit down! I know that is where you are right now, friend....I am living there too. A very difficult year for me in very private ways that can't be shared. That means I also ask for prayer and then lean, lean, lean on Jesus. I know that is what you are doing too and we are going to be your Aaron and Hur today, this week and as long as you need it. God IS there, even in the quiet. Let us help hold you up in Jesus' name. ♥

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  39. Forgot! My sister-in-law wrote this post on the same subject for me a few weeks back. Maybe it will encourage you today. http://www.hopeinthehealing.com/2014/06/26/who-was-hur/

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  40. I see Nannette and Barbie know you. Are you in The Consilium - a collective where wisdom meets grace. I think you could bring much to the table - to the community. Ask to join at https://www.facebook.com/groups/764751293576476/

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  41. Prayer is so important, isn't it. God has given us His word to read and study, to memorize, and pray. I love that blogging connects me to other believers. It's so neat to read a post saturated in scripture and thought. Thanks for sharing with What You Wish Wednesday. Please link-up again tomorrow!

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  42. I so need prayer. I feel lost and alone. I feel like i'm in the lowest valley and can't climb out. At the moment I don't feel like God loves me. My name is Coni and i could use any and all prayers.
    Thank you

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    1. Coni, you will be in my prayers. And I promise, I know that God loves you so very much. Way more than you or I will ever be able to fully understand. It's just that life has a way of trying to get us to forget that Truth. Don't! Hold on to His love like a life preserver. He is there with you, all the time, through everything.

      GOD BLESS!

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    2. Thank you Sharon. You are in my prayers also.

      Blessings !

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)