It is 11.00 at night and I am in a reflective mood. I have been asked to take part in an interview at church as part of our lent study. I have just reread what I wrote at my end of treatment party and it has lead me to think how far I have come from that day in August 2009 when I was first diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Who could have known what a journey I would make to reach this point? I am a different person. I used to be a glass half empty person and I am now a glass half full and bubbling over person! My life is full of joyful moments and I truly treasure each and every day. I have been given a very special chance to live life and I am doing so. I know I am loved by so many people who tell me regularly but also I know I am loved by the creator of the world who has gone ahead of me to prepare the way. He has written out my days and he knows their number. He knows the number of hairs on my head and cares deeply about me. He knew the plan he had for me and he has walked along side me all the way - wow! I still have scary thoughts especially in the middle of the night or when I get odd pains. But I know all things are in his hands.

This week we sang a song at lent group - a very old song sung to a new tune the words speak deep to my heart:

1. How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say to you than He has said—
you who, unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

2 In every condition, in sickness and health

In poverties vale or abounding in wealth;

At home or abroad on the land or the sea

As days may demand, shall your strength ever be.

3. “Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you , and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My righteous , omnipotent hand.

4. “When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply;
The flame shall not harm you; I only design
Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I can not , desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

That is what he has been and still is doing. He is refining me - making me more like Jesus. Thankfully throughout he has been showing me more and more that his grace (his undeserved love) is all sufficient. And whatever is thrown at me (and it has been a lot) I know that He will never, no never, no never, forsake. What more can be said!