Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11)

Because the Lord is our refuge we have hope and joy, no matter what our circumstances. If you are feeling low today, why not sing His praises. I’m always amazed how the act of singing lifts my spirit, focusing my mind on “things above.” It’s a great way to start the day—in the shower, styling your hair (blow dryers muffle bad notes) or in the car on your way to work. No matter what you’re going through, one thing never changes—He is always worthy of praise.

Happy warbling in the Lord,

Ruth

Welcome to Comfort Cafe, an ezine and resource center offering hope, help and healing for women.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST MONTH’S DOOR PRIZE WINNER:Angela Nazworth, South Carolina

Ruth’s Blog

Comfort Cafe’s editor, Ruth Wood, brings a personal connection to the site through her blog. Her latest posts are: For All Have Abused, Wedding, One Thing is Needed, Take Up Your Cross and Follow. See Ruth’s Blog.

Photography Blog

Deb Allen is the author of Creation Speaks—short devotionals illustrated by beautiful photos she’s taken of nature. Enjoy her latest posts at www.heartscribeforhim.com/CreationSpeaks1.htm.

Coffee Shop Concert

Diane Kay Coons is an artist with a lot of heart who shares how God used an unplanned pregnancy in her life. Enjoy her music on our Coffee Shop Concert page.

LIFE STORIES

As the train rumbled past the East Coast countryside taking my daughter and me to New York City for a mother/daughter vacation, my thoughts were as piercing as the screeching wheels of the train. Why did Greg take his own life? Almost Committed Suicide, by Kathy Collard Miller

The term “caregiver” took on a whole new meaning for me when I became one. Being a mother for over 24 years was easy compared with 4½ months caring for my father dying from metastatic malignant melanoma. Strength Through Weakness, by Bonnie Shoemaker

A memory fluttered into my mind like an old photograph. I searched it for the details time had worn away. Gradually, they came into focus. I had just found out I was pregnant with our first child. No Answers? by Kathryn M. Graves

DEVOTIONALS

I coughed hard as cold coffee slipped down my windpipe. “Oh great!” I sputtered, wiping at several droplets of coffee. I tossed the napkin into a trash can and stared at a dozen half-filled moving boxes that stood along side it. “Morning!” I heard a voice chirp. “I’m glad you didn’t say ‘Good morning,’” I grumbled under my breath. Grumbles and Gripes, by Louise Bergmann DuMont

How many times have you found yourself worrying about something? If you are like most people, more times than you can count. Why Worry?, by Sue A. Winchester

I gasped when I read in the June 10, 2005 edition of the New York Daily News: Blind Man Falls Into Sinkhole. I Fell Into A Sinkhole, by Janet Perez Eckles

Where can the most beautiful vistas be viewed? From atop the summit of the tallest mountain, after the most strenuous climb. Cocoon of Circumstance, by Lynn Mosher

Growing up in Phoenix I had no real concept of the seasons. I guess you could say Phoenix had it’s own type of seasons: warm, hot, really hot, and anything-you-sit-on-will-blister-your-behind hot. The Blessing of Seasons, by Martha Hammonds

Sometimes it’s hard to trust God. We pray for people but they remain sick. Christians in countries hostile to the Gospel get thrown in jail. Babies die, stock markets crash, hearts break. Trust, by Phyllis M. Nissila

ARTICLES

Marianne Miles, Miles to Go. When a Mother’s Love Isn’t, Part II will appear in our April publication.

Helping your parents move from the home they have lived in for many years is difficult. Normally, this move is not made by choice, but due to the death of a spouse, an illness, accident or other negative event. It also often signifies the loss of independence if they are being moved in with a adult child or into a community setting. No, making this transition is not easy, but it can be manageable if you keep these things in mind.Moving Mom and Dad, by Cheryl Riggs

It had been the worst year in her life—a year since Kathy’s husband had suddenly died in an automobile accident leaving her full of grief, anger, bitterness, turmoil. Victory Over Loss, by Muriel Larson

Looking for Writers

Our Help for the Hurting page lists all the topics we hope to address in the future. If you have a story or article that relates to one of these areas, I’d love to hear from you. Review our writer’s guidelines, then send your material to submissions@comfort-cafe.net.