abandoned to Christ.

...but the flesh is weak. ~ Matthew 26:41b The first part of this Scripture is: "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation." These past six (now going on seven) years of chronic illness has included the highs of God's discipline in my life as He so awesomely reveals Himself as my Father; and the lows of pity parties, self-centered, self-absorbed thoughts and delusions that somehow I'm so special that I deserve better; or because I've been so ill, other people need to make sure I'm their primary thought and should always seek to take care of me. And in spite of these pity parties I've had over the years (or even recently), the LORD, who is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6) always reminds me to draw near to Him as I give thanks in everything...even in sickness...even in pain...in everything (James 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:4-7). As I write this, I am reminded of...