November 23, 2014

Closing Down for the Season


With much sorrow, I am closing down my blog for the season. I don’t know when I will be back. The photo challenge will go on as scheduled for the weekend of December 13. I will not participate. Future challenges will be postponed.

Mr. Jim’s health has deteriorated, and he was hospitalized for a few days last week. He is now back home. I am devoted to him and his needs. I love him with all my heart and soul. He has been my rock, my best friend, my world. We have shared so many joys and journeys together. We have been blessed. We are grateful.

Please keep us in your prayers. Pray that Mr. Jim receives comfort and measures to combat his pain. Pray that we can both weather this terrible storm with dignity. Pray that we feel loved and that our lives matter.  Pray for us to receive God's grace.

Thank you, my dear friends.

72 comments:

  1. Please tell Jim that my husband and I are both praying for him and we will be sure to say extra prayers this week. Take care of yourself, sweet Donna, as much as you can. Sending you both our love, Diane and Ron

    ReplyDelete
  2. Praying for God's grace and mercy upon you two, a beloved sister and brother in Christ. May his blessing rest richly upon you, and may you feel the love of others surrounding you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So sorry, I will keep you and your hubby in my thoughts and prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sending love and hugs to your home Donna and prayers of comfort for you both.

    ReplyDelete
  5. sending love and comfort to both of you. i know you will stay strong and focused on him.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am still praying for both you! Sending hugs to you. You will be missed but you are doing the right thing.
    ~Adrienne~

    ReplyDelete
  7. Many prayers daily.
    Love you both.
    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh Donna, I will surely be praying for you both...that God will wrap his comforting arms around you. Sending loving thoughts your way...xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am so sorry, Donna!
    You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You both are in my prayers and there is not a day that goes by that you are not in my thoughts. May you have all that you are seeking and more...that peace that goes beyond human understanding. Your love for Jim and your care says so much about your marriage...you are devoted. Sending love...

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am quite heartbroken hearing that Jim has not done so well this past week dear Donna. I fear your trip to Asheville will not now materialize and I'm sad you will not get that little trip away together, enjoying the holiday preparations, Biltmore etc. However, there is no place as peaceful and cozy as home when things are rough and we are 'under the weather'. I know you will make it comfy for Jim and the two of you will be better off there then traveling right now.
    Meanwhile, take it easy and know so many of us are thinking of you both and sending prayers and loving wishes your way. We understand about your blog - so don't give that a thought - we still know you're there doing what is most important at this time, loving and caring for a wonderful man.
    With love - Mary & Bob

    ReplyDelete
  12. Many prayers are coming your way. Love and comfort to you both.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh Donna, I've been wondering about Jim this past couple weeks and am saddened to hear this. You have been in my thoughts and I will continue to pray for you both, for God's wonderful grace to fill you and also His peace that passes all understanding. Sending love and hugs to you. Pam

    ReplyDelete
  14. My heart fell as I read this post. I'm so sorry, dear Donna and Mr. Jim - my prayers for peace and comfort will continue. May God's love fill your home as you move through these difficult days.

    with love,
    Lorrie (and Tim)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am so sorry, Donna. You and Mr. Jim are in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I hate this. I hate that you both are having to go through this terrible journey. Your blog name takes on a whole new meaning for me now. *sigh*You know I'm praying my friend. Love you and this BIG HUG will have to do for now until maybe one day I can give you one in real life.
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh Donna I am so sorry for what you and your sweet husband are going through. You know you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh Donna, I am so sorry to hear this news about Mr. Jim. There are really no words that I can add to what others have said in their comments. You are doing exactly what you are called to do. May you both experience the peace and comfort that only the Lord can provide...through these prayers that are going up for you. Bless you, sweet friend.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Donna, we had all hoped this day would not be coming anytime soon yet here it is. I'm sure you know how many sad people are reading this and feeling heartbroken for you... and asking prayers of Our Father for your comfort at this time, and for Jim's. I'm so sorry! I wish I had happy upbeat hopeful things to say, but of course there can be none of that. We all love you and we all will pray for the easiest time possible in the next weeks. God bless you both.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I have had you on my mind all evening and finally came in here to say I love you..I am praying for you and Jim..I know that YOU know that God loves you both so very much.
    I am praying for comfort..understanding..strength...for the both of you and for all those that love you dearly. Please know that I wish I could be close by..just to hug and offer anything that you might want or need. I am so so sorry for this walk thru the Valley...I know we all face it, sooner or later...but it sure doesn't make it any easier.
    When you have time, could you please send me your mailing address ?...only when you have time, dear one.
    Love, bj

    ReplyDelete
  21. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers, Donna. God bless and keep you!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Donna, I'm so sorry. I will keep you and Mr. Jim in my prayers ♥

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am just stopping by to let you know you are on my mind tonight, too. Please don't respond. I just want you to know I am praying for you tonight. Sending extra hugs my friend, Diane

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm here again too dear Donna………we are all praying for Jim and you. You are in our thoughts constantly these days.
    God bless you.
    Hugs and hope being sent your way - Mary X

    ReplyDelete
  25. I still have you and Mr. Jim in my prayers, Donna ♥

    ReplyDelete
  26. Donna, you're doing the right thing and you're both in my thoughts and prayers. I'm only a couple of hours away...

    ReplyDelete
  27. I just saw Sally's post on facebook ... and because I haven't been blogging I was unaware .. I am so sorry. When we were preparing to build our last home I often referred to your posts when you guys built yours. It is a beautiful home you built. I hope you and Jim take refuge in it and God Bless. Joan Martin ..Winnipeg Manitoba.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I pray God's comforting arm around your shoulders helps with the sadness you are going through.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Praying for peace and comfort for you both.

    ReplyDelete
  30. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time, Donna. How unspeakably difficult it must be for you, and for Jim. I pray the God of all comfort will meet you and your beloved in this trial and be as real to you as I know you need Him to be, and I know He wants to be. You will both be on my heart and mind every single day, and of course always in my prayers. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  31. Bless your heart Ms. Donna. Praying for you and Mr. Jim. Hoping for peace and comfort for each if you in this difficult time.

    ReplyDelete
  32. You've been on my mind, so I came to visit your blog tonight. I'm so sorry for what you are going through and pray that God will cover you with peace and with strength. May you feel His love surrounding you. Bless you, my dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Wishing you both comfort and strength as you move through these difficult days.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I wish upon a star.......
    Sending love, prayer and hugs and smiles....and warmth of friendship.
    God knows.....
    (((((Hug))))))

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thinking and praying for you both, Donna.
    Sending lots of love.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  36. You are both in my thoughts tonight and my husband and I both continue to pray. Sending you some extra hugs my friend. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Love, Diane

    ReplyDelete
  37. The Lord brings you both to mind so many times a day, Donna. I have such wonderful memories of yours and Mr. Jim's love and generosity. You are both loved and cherished far and wide; your influence both together and separately has been great and is valued more than you know. At this crucial time you are in so many hearts, minds, and prayers. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  38. Just peeking in with a wave and a nod. Found myself thinking of you...

    ReplyDelete
  39. Today was not so great for me, but then I thought of you and smiled knowing that you are the brave one and I should be ashamed of myself! I hope you are coping with all that's going on Donna, and that Jim continues to hold on. I pray both of you are doing OK and send a ton of love and many prayers.
    Mary xx

    ReplyDelete
  40. Lots of nice people thinking of you and Jim; praying for you both.
    My heart is with you. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  41. Just a quick note, Donna, to let you know that we are praying for you and Jim.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thinking and praying for you and Mr. Jim, Donna.
    May God wrap you in his arms and give you strength,
    love and comfort.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Sad to hear this, hoping for the best. Health and happiness to all that you love and know. God bless

    ReplyDelete
  44. Tenha a certeza das minhas orações. Fiquem com Deus!
    Um abraço!

    Be assured of my prayers. God bless!
    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I pray for you both everyday, and am so sorry to hear things are not going well. You will be thought of throughout your absence, and welcomed back with open arms when ever you are ready. Keep well my sweet friend and all the best to Mr. Jim.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I am just catching up and reading this.....I am praying for both of you and sending warm healing hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Donna...I'm just checking in as I pulled up your blog to get some more ideas for the photo challenge coming up this weekend. I just wanted to let you know that I think of you and Mr. Jim often and are continuing to send prayers up in your behalf. I pray that you both are receiving the peace and comfort that only the Father can provide. God bless you both.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Yes, me too checking in regarding the challenge - will go ahead and participate of course.
    Donna dear - you and Jim are still in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.
    Know we love you from afar and tell Jim he is thought of so often.
    Praying you have comfort at this difficult time.
    Love, Mary

    ReplyDelete
  49. So sorry to learn of this news. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Millie

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh, my. Sorry life is so difficult for both of you right now. Praying that God will bless you with strength, courage, and peace throughout whatever lies ahead. Christmas Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Praying every single day for the Lord, our God, to be with you both..
    I'm sending lots of love. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  52. Donna, I've been holding you and Jim before the Lord every day. Thank you for all that you've done for us in teaching us more about photography. It is greatly appreciated and I know these blog links are very time consuming. May God be with you both in the days ahead. Sending love and hugs. Pam

    ReplyDelete
  53. Praying every day for you and Mr. Jim. God, holding Jim in the palm of His hand with His other arm around your shoulders to give you strength.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Oh my goodness...so very sorry / yes will pray.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Dear Donna, I'll certainly be thinking of you, and we'll miss you. Having just had open heart surgery I can sympathize a little, and I do know how important the caregiver is! May you have strength to provide the support needed.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Dearest Donna
    Your are both very much in my heart and my prayers at this time.
    Take care and God bless you both.
    Love
    Shane xox

    ReplyDelete
  57. Donna, every time I use my camera I think of you and Jim and your wonderful hospitality to me and my daughter when we came to visit. You are in my prayers. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  58. Just dropping in to say a quick hello and thinking of you both.. .we had carols at school tonight and my kids were singing away in our little hamlet towns church all so beautiful and i was thinking of you and Jim! We lit a candle for you both i hope you can feel the beautiful dancing light xx

    ReplyDelete
  59. Donna, you were on my mind tonight. I just want to let you know you are still in my prayers. May God give you peace and strength!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Your giving him the best gift of all your time and most of all your love.
    Peace to the both of you during this time.

    ReplyDelete
  61. My thoughts and prayers continue for you and Mr. Jim, Donna. May God be with you...

    ReplyDelete
  62. Thinking of you both.
    Love you.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  63. As Christmas approaches, it is our hope and prayer that you and Jim will celebrate the beauty in whatever quiet way is possible right now. Thoughts of you both are also spoken between us here, we want you to know we are thinking of you every day Donna.

    Love, Mary & Bob

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thinking of you and Mr. Jim and still have you in my prayers. I wish you both a Merry Christmas ♥

    ReplyDelete
  65. You've both been in my thoughts and prayers Donna.
    I hope that you and Jim are able to find peace and brightness together on this Christmas day.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Love you, just wanted you to know.
    Prayers continue.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thinking of you both, Donna and hoping you are finding peace on this journey.

    ReplyDelete

Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!