Comes growth and life. I am reminding myself that difficulties are opportunities of growth and promises of God's faithfulness. My grandmother is here this week. Last December was the pinnacle of her abuse, when she belittled me and manipulated my family members to think badly of me to such a point that it made me suffer physically, not just emotionally. I prayed and prayed that God would tell me what to do, and all that I felt led to do was to shut the door to her. I feel that not being in communication with her now is more godly of me than to be in communication and lose my tongue toward her. I told her that I thought it would be best if I did not see her until she could treat me civilly (not even lovingly) and until she could apologize for the terribly things she has put me through in the past five years. She did not agree apparently, because she is here in NC, and has expressed to my parents that she expects me to see her on the days I don't work and that it is my duty to bring my children to see her. She never asked me what my plans were this week, if it was ok that she come down, or anything. I am going to meet with my parents and her after church for lunch, but that will be all at this point. I cannot allow her to hurt me anymore and I will not allow her to manipulate my children against me like she tried to do the last time she was here. Please, please, anyone who reads this, say a prayer that God will give me strength this week, and that He will help me grow through this trial. Please pray that He will heal the wounds in my heart. Please, also pray for my mother, because though what my grandmother has done to me is terrible, what she has done to my mother is far worse. We are in need of your prayerful support and we thank you for it!