While I was growing up in a small town in the western part of Washington State, USA, walking was the rule; there was hardly a time when the car was removed from the garage. Even as a child, I walked on my own with confidence, not afraid of what might be lurking behind the bushes.

Shortly before my daddy passed away, he gave me a wonderful Collie/German Shepherd puppy. Her name was Peggy. Before long, we became inseparable. I always had the scruff of her neck clutched in my hand wherever we walked. Peggy was my faithful companion.

It was a sunny and warm afternoon for a girl and her dog to take a walk. After some distance, a man pulled up beside the sidewalk and asked where a particular street was located. Thinking nothing about his request, I told him how he could find the street. Shortly thereafter, he pulled up again, saying that he still could not find the street and asked me to go with him. I told him "No", and suggested that he go in the direction I had previously suggested or ask someone else.

In my young mind, I thought that that was the end. In no time at all, he was there again, and this time, he did not say a word. He opened his car door and started to get out. He had "kidnap" on his mind. Peggy was very aware and stepped in front of me, bared her teeth, and gave a very deep growl. Clearly, the man did not want to challenge my much-loved Peggy — she would have given her life for me. He got back in his car and left, never to be seen again.

Often, throughout the years, I have thought about this incident. I've come to realize that I had another, more powerful companion that day; even the growl of my faithful canine companion did His bidding. Many times since then, God has rescued me from physical danger. Even more importantly, it was for the purpose of rescuing us from spiritual danger that He sent His Son into the world.

I share this story so that you may believe and be encouraged that Jesus is our guardian and that He is with us wherever we go. I am reminded of these comforting hymn words: "Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast."

In Matthew 28:20b, Jesus said, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV)

Now look at a terrifying situation in your own life. How did our Saviour appear to you in that moment?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to know that You will always be our guardian and protector. We thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Teach us to trust You more each day as we commend our lives into Your loving care. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

There is hope … There is hope!

Years ago, I was misdiagnosed with having Lou Gehrig's disease. At that moment, I saw my life flash before my eyes. My husband threw his arms around me, holding me tight. After a few comments, we left the doctor's office. In an instant, I quietly decided that my family was not going to endure seeing me die, cell by cell. I planned to take my own life. Fortunately, the Lord intervened, as I later learned that my illness was not Lou Gehrig's, but an autoimmune disease called "inclusion body myositis." At that point, although I was becoming progressively weaker, I realized that God that was not finished with me yet, so I was happy.

Subsequently, in 2005, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Despite the surgery, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation, I felt blessed that the cancer had been found. Through every needle stick, the toxic treatments, and the constant depression which followed, my heavenly Father was with me. Once again, Jesus walked with me; thus, I knew that He had other plans for this tough old bird.

Clearly, I discovered that the Lord's will for me is to bring cheer, love, and faith as I write to suffering people worldwide via my laptop computer. Additionally, God's plan includes the blessings of an amazing husband and family who have supported me throughout the challenges of a disease that many have never heard of, on top of an overwhelming struggle with ovarian cancer. Besides that, my three small Bichon dogs were a continual source of comfort to me during my illnesses — another wonderful blessing from God.

Still, my story does not end there. While the cancer markers have been low for two years, they have recently begun rising. I continue to face the progressing weakness of inclusion body myositis and the possibility of reoccurring cancer. Yet, despite all this, I know that my work is not finished, and my heavenly Father will continue to guide me while I remain on this earth, for however long that may be.

Perhaps you are facing similar trials of your own, trials which seem like a story with no end in sight. Nevertheless, each day is a new beginning and a gift from God. He is faithful in providing all we need as He enables us to live each day to the fullest. Therefore, let us give praise and glory to God in all situations; then, we will experience the purpose for which we are called, and our hearts will be filled with hope for the future.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for the abundance of blessings that You have provided in the midst of trials, so that we, in turn, may be a blessing to others. Enable us to fulfill the purpose which You have ordained, as we look to You in facing the future with confidence and hope. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.