Ladies meeting

The nettle-grasping week continues, as I made it to the Ladies meeting tonight. Providentially, the topic was spiritual depression or desertion. Right on the money for me, and especially helpful. We sang this hymn;

Lord, we know that Thou art near us,
Though Thou seem'st to hide Thy face;
And are sure that Thou dost hear us,
Though no answer we embrace.

Not one promise shall miscarry;
Not one blessing come too late;
Though the vision long may tarry,
Give us patience, Lord, to wait!

While withholding, Thou art giving
In Thine own appointed way;
And while waiting we're receiving
Blessing suited to our day.

O the wondrous loving-kindness,
Planning, working out of sight!
Bearing with us in our blindness!
Out of darkness bringing light.

Weaving blessings out of trials;
Out of grief evolving bliss:
Answering prayer by wise denials
When Thy children ask amiss!

And when faith shall end in vision,
And when prayer is lost in praise;
Then shall love, in full fruition,
Justify Thy secret ways.

I also heard the sad news of the death of one of our oldest church members - a dear 90+ lady named Joyce, who my eldest considered a personal and dear friend. I shall have to tell her tomorrow, so please pray for us, as I think she will be quite upset.