Happy New Year's Eve

 half moon as seen from Contentment Acres 12/31/2011

We hope everyone has a fun and safe New Year's Eve!

May the Lord bless you and yours in 2012!

Around Here

December has just been a blur. We had so much happen and so much to do.

Christmas was different this year for Clint and I. It was a time of reflecting on everything that has happened this year and God's presence and goodness through it all. It has not been an easy year, but we have survived it with our faith and marriage stronger than ever. God is good!

Clint and I decided to order the Christmas presents online rather than battle the traffic, crowds and long checkout lines. It worked out! We found everything online, and it all arrived in time!! By combining orders and using coupon codes, we were able to spend less on shipping than we would have in gas. Clint has told me he wants to shop online every year from now on.

As we read over their Christmas wish lists, it became very evident our middle children are growing up. Joshua and Caleb asked for night vision goggles, rifles, bows and arrows, a catapult, spy pens, Army medic bags, etc. Bethany asked for sing-a-longs, play make up, a collectible miniature doll, and a yo yo with trick book. Gone are the Matchbox cars, superheroes, baby dolls, and tea sets.

Emily surprised us with a request for a set of play tools so she can "work beside Dad." Brandon looked at me and said "Well, you know she has the Bailey builder gene!" Clint did not hesitate to provide her with her own set of tools so she can be his buddy on around household projects. Hannah is enjoying the play tools too! And, Caleb tortured Hello Kitty (see picture below) with them.

For all of the children, Clint purchased and is installing a zip line. If they like it enough, he will install a longer one. It would be very pleasant to go from one end of our property to the other on a zip line! I am not going to be able to use it until my shoulder is healed, but one day, I'll be zipping along, laughing like crazy and hoping to not fall on my big rear!

Hello Kitty Torture

The next time Caleb tells me he is going to play with his little sisters, I'll pay attention. :-D

Higher Quality Christmas Photo

This is a higher quality photo for those who asked to print one out. I had not realized the camera was on the wrong setting for prints. It was set on "e-mail quality." Clint retook the picture after we realized the error.

The quilt was made by Gramma Susan Selvage. We love her!!

Clint is helping Hannah run the impact wrench beside me. She jumps and then throws back her head with laughter. There is never a dull moment! :-D

This one has their names for those who have trouble keeping them straight.
Emily and Hannah do not like being mixed up. Caleb and Joshua love it because they think they can play tricks on people!

Breg Vectra Premium Low Walking Boot

The walking cast I ordered for my broken heel isn't holding up. I've only been wearing it a few weeks. The velcro has eaten through the foot wrap (aka "sock") and is now rubbing my leg. But, that is OK! Breg offers a 90 day warranty on their boots. The Brace Shop, the company I ordered it from through Amazon (click the boot), is sending me a new boot by mail. I will return the one I've worn out in the mailer they will send me. I am thankful they are sending me the boot right away so I do not have to go without the protection for my heel.

The boot is working! My heel feels SOO much better. I miss walking on the treadmill, but LOVE the new recumbent bike! I had to give up the treadmill due to my heel, but the bike doesn't bother it at all.

MERRY CHRIST-A-MUST!!!

(Caleb feels his smile is goofy, so he tries not to smile for the camera.)

MERRY CHRIST-A-MUST!!!
from our family to you and yours!

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince Of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with Judgment and with Justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Christmas Picture Outtakes

Hannah is 3!!!

Clint took Hannah off for a few minutes so we could set up for her birthday. She had been waiting on her birthday ALL day. I guess she thought we weren't going to give her one when Clint took her to the store. As they left, she asked him "Dad, what did you do with my birthday?"

Her first look when she got back home!

"Hannah, whose birthday is it?" "Mine!"

Her pony cake. I was very tired when I made this cake.

Hannah waiting to see her cake come out.

Hannah blew her own candle out this year!

Hannah stopped opening a present for a picture.

Hannah tired of being asked to look at the camera! :-)

Clint assisting with opening Hannah's present. Hannah LOVES hair, and this set has a lot of hair and a brush. She kept saying over and over "And, it has a brush!"

"Is Dad ever going to finish cutting off those ties?"

Psalms 145:9 The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.

Another Bedroom Shot with Ceiling Fan

This is the new ceiling fan for our bedroom. Clint installed it a 2-3 months ago.
Clint picked out the fan while I stayed home nursing my broken heel.
I really like it!

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. I Timothy 1:5

Weekend 3

So Clint tells the children they can get out the "new" sports equipment while he finishes up something. I look out the window and see them gathered around in a circle pulling stuff out with heads bent over....and Emily in the middle of them determinedly practicing her swing!! "OH CLINT!! You need to get out there!!!" :-D I took this picture later so I'd remember the moment.

He has nearly a whole team!

Clint pitching to Emily

Hannah

Weekend 2

Clint making a video of our children with his phone.

Amanda teaching her little brother she is still stronger.

Emily wanted to slide down the ramp at the skate park, but was afraid. Joshua and Caleb spotted her.

My girl Bethany Hope

Hannah and a wayward curl

(Brandon had to work.)

Weekend

There is joy in filling up a playground with your children!

Emily touching the sky! It still wasn't high enough for her!

It was pure delight for both of them!

There is something so very appealing about a big, strong, tough man who can be tender for a child.

If I hadn't been wearing the cast and since no one else was around, I would have been playing on the playground equipment too!

God's Provision

Insurance is not meant to replace everything you lost. It is meant to greatly reduce the financial blow due to the natural disaster. Clint and I were able to buy most of the things we needed with the home owner's insurance, but there were still many things that did not get purchased.

There is also the challenge of making the claim list. It has to be done within a certain time frame while many other things need your immediate attention. We did the best we could to write down everything we had lost, but dozens of items were left off of the list simply because we did not think of them in time to add them. We think of something else that was forgotten nearly every week. Many people with fire losses tell us this goes on for years!

One of the things we lost and have not been able to replace was our sporting goods for the children. We have been keeping an eye out for used items on Freecycle and thrift stores, but had not come across any. We went to Walmart this weekend to look at prices of new equipment, and were disheartened to see how expensive it was.

This afternoon, Clint and I stopped in a new thrift store on 17 in York County and found several bats, 10 baseballs, a softball, 5 gloves, a sports equipment bag, 2 frisbees, and a soccer ball. We got everything for less than $20. God provides!

Angels Unaware?

No matter what we are doing, if Clint sees someone in need, he will stop to give them a hand. I am very thankful God has made me the wife of such an incredible man.

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares

Fox with Suspected Rabies

Friday night, Clint and I were headed out in his car. When we got about 1/4 mile from our house, I spotted a fox laying down in the gravel on the side of the road. I asked Clint to back up in case it had been hit. The fox did not hide or run away. It walked slowly in front of our car like it was disoriented and then sat there hassling and salivating. Then it walked away from us heading straight down the road. Then it turned around and came back. It seemed very confused. Thanks to our rural upbringing, we recognized this and other signs as "passive" rabies (aka "dumb" rabies.) This is why they tell you to stay away from wildlife. If you can approach it, something is most likely wrong! (The Cujo type rabies that attacks is called "aggressive" rabies.)

Concerned for our children, community, wildlife and pets, we called a neighbor who lives very close to where the fox was so he could bring a gun to put it down. He wasn't home. So we called our son, Brandon, who brought our gun. While we waited, we watched the fox alternate between wandering back and forth in the road in front of us and laying in the grass. There is no doubt in our minds that fox had rabies.

Being very slow in my cast, I sat in the car while Clint got the gun and loaded it while standing in the road between the cars. That, of course, is when the fox came out again. It stared, not moving, at Clint, and I yelled him a warning so he'd be aware in case it attacked. The gun wasn't ready. That is the last thing I remember. The next thing I know, I was fighting to keep the car on the road yelling "Did I get it?!!!" It seems I went on auto pilot, got my bulky cast through the tight space between the steering wheel and the seat, put the car in gear, and ran the fox over just off the road. While I am surprised at how fast instinct took over, I don't feel bad about it. Rabies had already claimed the fox. An animal doesn't come back from that. I just stopped the virus from spreading.

Clint finished it off quickly. I am thankful and relieved it didn't get away where it could harm people and other animals.

A few months ago, Brandon told me I was "a sweet and gentle person, and hurting something just isn't in [my] nature." When I took off in the car, Clint said Brandon looked at him in amazement and asked "Did SHE just run over it?!!! Mom did that?!!" Hey, it surprised me too!

We called Animal Control. They said unless the fox had bitten someone, there isn't anything they can do other than make note of it in case they have more reports in our area. The Health Department will not pay to do the $300 testing unless a person has been attacked. As a precaution, Clint and I are re-vaccinating all of our livestock and pets.

Get Back Up by Toby Mac

DC Talk, the group Toby Mac use to be in, was the main way I was able to reach a teen for Christ. The CD I gave her impacted her heart for the Lord. I miss the vibrancy, joy and challenge of working with teens. When the workload for my own family decreases, we will see what the Lord has in store!

Sydney is a 20+ Year Old Cockatiel

Sydney was born sometime before 1991 and was purchased as a gift for a 8th grade girl. She grew up and left Sydney behind at her parents. Sydney stayed in a room to himself and was left to go in and out of his cage at his own will. Sometimes he'd walk into the room where they'd be sitting, look around, and then head back to his cage. His former owners told us he can dance around a little hat to the Mexican Hat Dance. Somewhere along the way, his wing was broken. I have to keep the feathers on that wing short to help him keep his balance and for cleanliness.

Since he can't fly, he JUMPS when he is afraid. This has been distressing to me! It's one of those things you should tell someone about! WOW! Sydney will fall to the floor with a thud, so now I try to keep him low over a broad surface. It appears that some time before we acquired him, this caused him to break a joint in one foot. If he loses his balance, he will fall on his back and not be able to right himself easily. I watch over him carefully in our busy household to keep him safe. I really like the old man. I enjoy the quieter moments when I can get him out of his cage and let him hang out with me. He's my "Let's chill!" buddy.

When someone asks him to perch on their finger, he make gestures at their fingers with his beak to warn them to be careful of his wing. He can sometimes be grumpy and will refuse to perch when he is not interested in coming out of his cage. He sleeps a lot, but he IS older than dirt! He seems interested in watching our other birds but not in closely interacting with them.

Cockatiels can live to be 30+ years old, so we will take good care of Sydney and see how long he blesses our lives.

If God hears Christian’s prayers, why aren’t they answered?

1John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us; and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him."

If God hears Christian’s prayers, why aren’t they answered?

1.) James 1:6-8 “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” We don’t believe.

2.) James 4:3 "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Many times I have had to pray God would help me to get to the place where I could let go of my will (way). Not only does He helps me get on board with His will for my life, but He makes me happy with His will! We can also let someone else's desires (putting them before God), get in the way of God's will for our lives.

3.) Isaiah 59:1-2 “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities (sins) have separated you from God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that He will not hear.” We have to stop doing what is wrong and live the way God wants. Anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, resentment, selfishness, any habitual sin will all affect how God hears our prayers and how He works in our lives. I like a close fellowship with the Holy Spirit and find it a strong motivator to stay close to Him.

4.) Proverbs 21:13 “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” We have to live generously in a way that reflects His love. Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last=JOY!

5.) John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my word remains in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you.” We have to live according to His Word with truth, humbleness, love, generosity, forgiveness, kindness, peace, self-control, etc.

6.) Ezekiel 14:3 “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?” We have idols (things more important than God and His will) in the way. We will not receive His blessing or fellowship unless we are willing to humble (letting go of "self" aka pride) ourselves and do as He leads.

James 3:17 “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 “All of us are looking with unveiled faces at the glory of the Lord as if we were looking in a mirror. We are being transformed into that same image from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

God wants you to be more Christ-like, not more self-like. That means you have to let go of some things and become something/someone else. This can be both a painful and joyful process. It can be especially painful when we hold on to our pride (self) and resist Him. Pride, especially spiritual pride, is very dangerous: I Timothy 3:6 "...he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil."

I Peter 5:5, Proverbs 30:32, Luke 14:7-11, Proverbs 11:2

When a Husband Seeks the Lord

Over a decade ago, Clint told me he felt the Lord was leading him to move from a good job with a division of a global company where he had finally achieved seniority to work day shift....to work in a new place. As a wife and a mother, it frightened me. I had many questions. Clint maintained his belief it was the Lord telling him to go and left that job for the new one.

The first place started going under and laying off people within two weeks of him leaving!! Not only that, but Clint was placed in a position where he could help some of his friends find jobs as well. We have also had many ministry opportunities through this company. And, this smaller, more personal company has been a big blessing to us when we have gone through difficult things like miscarriages, deaths, floods, fires, etc. I learned a lot about trusting the Lord's work through my husband because of that experience.

When Clint is seeking the Lord on something, my goal is to not influence his decision or hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. I try to wait for dialogue and questions. When I can answer them, I do. If I can not answer them, I try to learn more so I can better help him. I give him honest, sometimes painfully honest, feedback when he is bouncing things around. When he grows quiet, I know the Holy Spirit is at work. This is the point where I have to be patient and keep in prayer. I ask the Lord to draw me to the same place as He is Clint. When Clint tells me what he has decided, I might ask a few questions, but know the decision is from the Lord. Most of the time, we are in the same place.

Husbands are fallible. It is difficult for us women to trust men who forget things and make mistakes. We live with them, see the things they do, and those things are often in our minds. "Lord, you want me to trust this Knucklehead, who just backed into the satellite dish with the RV, on something this big?" It's not easy to trust the Lord when we are looking at our husbands.

We have to keep our focus on one thing though: God is infallible and knows how to communicate His perfect will with fallible men with pure hearts and motives who are diligently seeking Him.

Titus 2:3-5 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Clint fixed the satellite dish. :-)

Bedroom

I have been telling people for a while about the bedroom makeover, but have neglected to put up any pictures. The goal was to make the bedroom look like a romantic beach cottage. I didn't want it screaming "BEACH," but to have the subtle hints of it here and there.

I tried to pull in elements from our times at the beach: shells, lighthouses, bottles, etc. We went with white furniture and added two white wall cabinets (that still need crown molding). I found a comforter set I liked and curtains to match from Walmart.

The headboard is made of a set of very old shutters found and purchased from our neighborhood's old firehouse. The shelf over the bed holds romantic statues with other favorite thrift store "finds." There is still a bit more to finish, but it is mostly done.

I knew I had met my goal when one of the children walked in and said "It feels like we are back at the beach!"Clint loves the room. It is not overly feminine and includes elements he likes. He has complimented me on how it has come together time and time again.

Of course, as soon as I make the bed, there is at least one child on it! :-)

Empty Me Jeremy Camp

Mercy Me-Bring the Rain

Our God is Tenderhearted Towards Us

Psalm 139:3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

Psalm 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

Psalm 103:8-14 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

How we need to be towards others:

Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Ephesians 4:17-32 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Squirrels

Clint and I fed these young squirrels at Newport News City Park's campground.

Seeking and Knowing God's Will

This has been a very spiritually intense and emotionally draining time in Clint's and my lives. We have thoroughly examined our hearts for any ill feelings or motives. We have petitioned Him to keep us from sin, to let His name be glorified all the way through, and to show us clearly what He wants from us. We have searched Scripture for answers and direction.

We have wrestled with and prayed the Lord would help us work through anger and recover from the shock and deep hurt so we can have a clear heart for the Holy Spirit to work in and through. Through and only through His help, we were able to not only forgive, but have a deep love, compassion, and understanding for the person who deeply hurt us.

We have laid down our desires and asked Him to show us what He wants. Constantly, Clint has asked to be given the wisdom of Solomon. We have asked Him to give us insight into other the other person's thinking, to allow us to hear beyond their words into their heart, so we could understand their position. He has shown us things about him and then verified the information to erase any doubts.

Clint has dreamed an incredible dream that was easily interpreted to give us a vision of what is on the other side of this situation. I have been given knowledge of what God is planning to do through this. Like Gideon, we have put out fleeces and sought confirmation.

God has answered every single prayer every single step of the way. Not a single thing we have asked for was withheld from us. Seeing God work in our lives in these ways has been incredible! Our love for Him and each other is stronger than ever. We have learned new things about ourselves. Our children are learning too: Yesterday Amanda and Brandon said they could see the Holy Spirit had finished burdening us to gain information and seek God's will. They said they could see we are closer to the Lord and that our love for each other has deepened. God is good; He is very good indeed! His name is worthy to be praised!

Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

I Peter 5:5b-10 ...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns

Our God is Greater by Chris Tomlin

What It Means to Be a Christian

Christians
by Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."


When I say.. "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.


When I say.. "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Basic Bible Lesson on Love

It troubles me to no end when Christians involved in ministries do not know the basics of God's Word. If you do not understand what the Bible says about love, then how can you fulfill the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36-40)? How can you have fully comprehended a study on I Corinthians 13 (the chapter of love)? This is basic Bible teaching anyone in ministry should know. 2 Timothy 2:15 Open your Bible and study!

There are four Ancient Greek words for love: agápe, éros, philía (aka phileo), and storgē.

Agape is Godly love. This is the kind of selfless love God wants us to have for other believers and is spelled out in I Corinthians 13. It is the kind of love that strives to put others feelings and needs before your own. It is difficult to find this kind of love in your heart when you list their sins against you. It is easier to find when you focus on the love God has for you in spite of the sins you have done against Him and others. This kind of love requires a sacrifice. This is the kind of love that exists and endures when things are not fun or easy. In humans, it is fallible. We will fail each other in this God-love from time to time, but it should resurface. God's love for us does not fail or waiver because He and His love are perfect.

Phileo (philia) love is the loyal love of friends and family. It is known as the "brotherly" love. It is a strong connection and affection to someone. You can have agape love for your enemies but you can not have phileo love for them. Agape love will endure, but phileo love can be crushed by cruelty. Phileo is where Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, got its name. Phileo is "love" and adelphos (delphia) means "brother" in the Greek text.

Eros is the Greek word for passionate physical desire and longing for someone. This is the romantic love between couples. The word eros is not mentioned in Scripture, but is where we get the English word erotic from. Eros is the type of love between the man and woman in Song of Solomon.

Storge is a love of acceptance and understanding. I have also heard it described as an genuine caring and loyalty that exists for a difficult person because you comprehend their behavior or struggles. I have a friend that does things she knows she should not do that trouble me to no end, but I care for her and will defend her because I understand what she has been through and what she is seeking. I also have this kind of love for a dog who bites me frequently. She came from an abusive situation and knows nothing better from human hands than what she has seen. I don't like getting bit and dread working with her, but I patiently put up with it because I understand why she bites. When someone talks bad about this dog's behavior, I defend her.

Having love for someone does not mean you put yourself or your family in harm's way. Harm can be physical, mental or emotional. I find it very plausible a husband can have agape love for his wife and still keep himself and his children away from her abusive behaviors. In fact, I know a woman who has agape love for her exhusband. She was lied to, cheated on, stolen from, beaten until she was put into the hospital, etc, etc, etc!!....and still, she asked me to pray for her exhusband's soul. Her love and concern for his well being after all of the abuse she took is something I will never forget. She was well within her rights to end the relationship to prevent more abuse, but she maintains abiding agape love by caring for his well being and salvation.