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Thursday, Mar. 10, 2005 - 10:02 a.m.
Hooray!! Yahoo!! Whoopee!! and all that jazz-pic
The taxes are done and e-filed!! And I don't have to pay--in fact, there are refunds coming from state and fed (well, not to me, I always turn them over to 800) Some of the things I thought were income and wages weren't, and we didn't make enough of anything to have the SS payments count. Here I thought I was so rich all year, and feeling guilty, and instead, I was poor and didn't know it!!!! All the money I tucked away for this April will not be needed. I gave 800 $200 last night and I want to take 1d and d out to Walmart for some new clothes. There hasn't been anything extra for them in a long time. I was reading about a lady who hadn't bought new underwear for 11 years and I can identify with her. One just keeps washing and mending the items that don't show. I am so excited but I must keep calm. October is coming and with it, about a 60% drop in funds coming in, but a full semester to finish and at least one more class to take in Spring semester with no school funds. Maybe by that time, I will be eligible for a Pell grant. Everyone else I know gets them, but I am not sure how they do it. I am always a little leery about getting mixed up with the govenment and money after being in business. I learned the meaning of the word 'implacable' then. That is why, after taking those 2 shopping, I will hunker down with the rest of the secreted money and wait for another shoe to drop. Confirmation has to come from the IRS still, so I may not be home free yet. EE's devotional today was so good.
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Title: Exchange Author: Elisabeth Elliot
This morning I was thinking of a friend who is gravely ill. She is greatly loved by many and has had a unique ministry because of her gifts of friendship and hospitality. Must she suffer?
The answer is yes. For the Lord who loves her suffered and wants her to fellowship with Himself. The joy of thus knowing Him comes not in spite of but because of suffering, just as resurrection comes out of death. I have a Savior because I am a sinner, and beauty is given the child of God in exchange for ashes. We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others. How can one's illness help another? By being offered to Him who can transform it into blessing.
---------------- I have several friends who live in alot of pain. What they have cannot always be confirmed by the medical world, and sometimes they don't get much sympathy. Hypochondria is always a possibility, and so is a low pain threshold, but in any case, the pain they feel changes and interferes in their life. I think EE's counsel can always help. Whether suffering pain or going through hardships, getting involved with others can provide relief. The backyard will need some extra care this spring as damage from the installation of water and electricity lines is repaired. Maybe the space will be used for veggies. The corral stood over alot of that area and should make some rich planting ground. 
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