Well, here we are again - at yet another crossroads. Elizabeth and I went to Shreveport yesterday so that she could be fitted for her Jobskin (compression suit) while there we found out that Elizabeth would have to have another surgery on her right hand. The doctor told us that the tendons in right hand have split and have started wrapping around the bones and knuckles and that if surgery is not done - she may lose some use of her right hand. When he told us - Elizabeth just broke down and cried.

Dr. Sittig is a wonderful doctor and his staff is the best - he sat with her for a while and talk to her about all of this. He told her that he understands how disappointing it is to work so hard and feel like it was for nothing. He asked about her emotions and we told him that they aren't to good right now. They told us that this is normal and they think that this will go away - BUT - we have gotten in touch with someone to counsel Elizabeth and are waiting to her from him. I know that the Lord has led us to this person. We received e-mail from him and his wife - Pray with us that this will all work out too.

This past weekend wasn't too good for my Lizzie. She's gotten to the point where she is just so tired and worn out. As I was talking to her last night she told me that she prays every night for God to just heal her hands - but - when she wakes up the next morning and looks at them they are still the same!! I know that this is the devil at work. In his ever so conniving ways - he is trying to make Elizabeth become so overwhelmed with fear and doubt that he wants her to lose all faith in our Lord Jesus. Please pray with me that the devil doesn't win the battle. Pray for the still healing touch of our Lord Jesus to be even stronger and that the power of our prayers keeps Elizabeth focused on him!!

This weekend when Lizzie was so upset - we called Papaw Mac again. Thank you so much daddy for your comforting words to my Elizabeth. All of my life you have been like a solid rock. I've always felt calmness knowing that you and momma are praying for my children and me. Elizabeth told me that just by hearing Papaw Mac's voice, she feels such a peace and a calmness. He prayed with her over the phone and talked to her for a while. Once again, our Lord Jesus has given my daddy the words to say to my daughter. I am so thankful that God has given me the parents that I have. I consider myself blessed tremendously because I know that there are those who do not have a close family. Thank you also to my sisters and their families. Nothing can compare to the closeness that I feel towards my sisters. Diane is the oldest, Lu Anne is next and I have a twin sister, Karian. You, all three, have been my shoulder to cry on when I needed it and have been there for me to talk to and have listened without giving too much sisterly advice. You know that sometimes all we need is for somebody to listen to us and you all three have been there for me!! I love you all so much and thank God for my sisters every day!

All of the e-mails that have been sent say how much of a witness the Martin's are in their ministry. Several have mentioned how they always take the time to talk to all of the people that have come to here them. We know too that they have a wonderfully blessed ministry. Of course, we think that they are the best gospel singers ever. We thank Harrie and Joyce so much for getting word to all of you to pray for Elizabeth. We are blessed to have them. When Elizabeth was in the hospital - and Joyce prayed over her - Lizzie just felt such a calmness and a peace. Joyce prays the most wonderful prayers I have ever heard. She has so much love in her heart for our family. Through her prayers, you know that she is truly touched by our Lord Jesus. If you've never heard her pray I hope that you get the chance to. And also the chance to here Joyce, Judy and Jonathan. Elizabeth has always said that if Papaw and Mamaw Mac, Aunt Joyce, Uncle Harrie and Maranda (my precious niece) are praying for her, then she knows that everything is going to be okay - She says that they all have a 1-800 number straight to heaven.

We think that the Martins have the most wonderful witness through their music. Nobody can compare to the sound of their music or to their ministry. The strangest thing happened yesterday morning when we got up to get ready to go to Shreveport. While I was getting ready - for some reason I was humming - Be strong, don't be afraid, you're not alone in this world. Be strong - take courage and fly . . . which is one of the Martins' song - Well, when Elizabeth woke up and I was helping her get ready - she started singing that very song!! Isn't it amazing how God uses the little things to let us know that he is still in control. Needless to say - we needed this very song when we spoke to the doctors - We know that we are not alone in this and we can gain strength and courage through our Heavenly Father!!

It's getting scary though. As a mother I have to sit and watch all of the changes that Elizabeth is going through. All I know to do is to just hold her tight and pray harder and harder every day. I pray so hard that Elizabeth can hold on to her faith in our Lord Jesus. We don't always understand God's timing - but I hold on to the assurance that he is all-knowing and that he will carry us through.

I remember the poem - one of my favorites - called Footprints. My sister, Diane, made Elizabeth an embroidered frame of this while she and I were in Shreveport. Diane was able to stay with me some while we were at the hospital to keep me from being by myself!! Thank you Diane - the Lord has blessed me with three beautiful sisters who love my children like they were their very own. God is so Good to us!! The framed print reads:

I know that our precious Lord Jesus is carrying Elizabeth through this. Please pray with me that her eyes and heart will always stay focused on Him and that she will never forget that it is Jesus who has carried her through this. Since my children were small - our favorite verse has always been - Phillipians 4:13 - I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME. - We know this to be true and God is showing us once again that through him all things are possible and that it's through him that we gain our strength.

Elizabeth's surgery will be Monday - February 28th. Please pray for her during this time. Pray for the doctors and nurses too. Elizabeth is so afraid this time. Pray for a calmness this week and Monday. Pray that our Lord will heal her emotionally. I can't imagine how I would be if I were faced with what Elizabeth is going through. She still apologizes every day for getting upset so easy. Please pray that the Lord will always give me the words to say to her that will comfort her and calm her fears!! Thanks again Daddy - you know that we will be calling a lot - you told us any time of day or night and I thank you and momma for being with us through this - We'll see you Monday!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Marian Riles