dear sister maggie,
as customary i rise early to the cool lake breezes here in northern n.y.we do not know each other well though i can see from many soveriegn grace testimonies the Lord has cut us both from the same cloth.here is a dear brothers testimony which i reflect on often:
2 Corinthians 12:1
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord:
2 Corinthians 12:2
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:3
And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--
2 Corinthians 12:4
how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
2 Corinthians 12:5
Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.
2 Corinthians 12:6
For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
2 Corinthians 12:8
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(NKJV)
AS A DEAR FREEPER BROTHER FROM DOWN UNDER SAYS:
"Kia Kaha" means, in practical terms: "stand strong" and do what you have been told to do until told to do otherwise.
It's stone-age Maori military doctrine, no different to what is taught at West Point or Camp Lejeune.
Kia Kaha, Marine!
SO MY DEAR SISTER ,
I ADD PRAYERS FOR YOUR STENGTH,HEALTH,WELLBEING,JOY,OVER ABUNDANT GRACE AND INFINITE BLESSINGS AS I OFTEN PLACE ON THE ALTAR OF GRACE FROM THE BANKS OF ONEIDA FOR THE BELOVED!
SEMPER FIDELIS AND GODSPEED!
You have posted one of my most treasured Scriptures in the New Testament. It discribes my own experience precisely. I know Maggie will identify with it as well.