Are you kidding me God?

I cannot begin to describe God's goodness, mercy and faithfulness the last couple of days!
I am so in love with Him, in awe of Him and thankful to Him!
This psalm says it all....who am I LORD that you are mindful of me?
Blessed be the name of the LORD!


Psalm 8


LORD, our Lord,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth!
   You have set your glory
   in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants
   you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
   to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them?
 You have made them a little lower than the angels
   and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
   you put everything under their feet:
all flocks and herds,
   and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
   and the fish in the sea,
   all that swim the paths of the seas.
 LORD, our Lord,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Broken Heart

There is so much I could share about this weekend.....it was unreal.

I was blessed by the beauty of God's creation as our family made a 10km bike

  ride around a lake, and how wonderful it is that God has set us in families.

So many encouraging moments with God were brought through other people's lives.

I was encouraged by a young man, who has chosen to go against the grain;

 He is not willing to compromise....and will speak out, and challenge what you think.

 He is taking the bible seriously and literally as he seeks to honor God with his life.

I was encouraged by a family who honors God with their possessions and shares what 

 God has blessed them with, to invest in the lives of other families and teens as well.

I was blessed by my pastor's teaching on prayer and a heart of worship.

I was blessed by the message of forgiveness displayed in the life of a young woman 

  held captive in Somalia for 15 and a half months.

My heart is broken for the things that breaks God's heart....and I am encouraged to see 

  it throughout my church.  In the lives of fathers, mothers, grandparents and teens.

 

If you want to see how God touched me in one way this weekend please watch the service 

  from yesterday online....it will be worth your time!  

http://www.livestream.com/crossroadsreddeer/video?clipId=pla_3501d7fd-d2ec-4345-a3a8-c07a661fcc81

Thank you Daddy for all the people you have placed in my life....for the God appointments!
I pray that You would continue to break our hearts for the things that break yours.
That we may live lives that glorify and honor you.....move us into action;
  to be Your hands and feet to a broken world, in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen

Refreshing

I have been reading the book of Jeremiah the last while.
Don't know if you have ever just camped out in a certain area of the bible or not.
But I have found it fantastic in this time.
Especially since my hearts desire is personal increase in maturity, character and holiness.
I stumbled upon this verse the other day when I was camping.

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
  whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
  that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
  its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
  and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

In all truth, I do not believe in coincidences....that I ended up here was not an accident.
I was needing encouragement that morning, because my son was up all night coughing and I was exhausted.
We had a full day ahead of us and this verse put my mind to God.
It reminded me to trust Him with the day ahead!
Sometimes in the business of life we think;
....I will get to God's Word later
....I know where to find Him
....He is always there for me

The truth is that He will sustain us and give us what we need when we go to Him.
Another is that we invest time in the things that are important to us.
If I want to be be fruitful and fulfill all the plans God has purposed for my life,
 I need to make my relationship with Him an utmost priority.

Seek the LORD while he may be found;
   call on him while he is near. 
Isaiah 55:6

Food for Thought:
Reading this verse made me think that if I am called to seek the Lord while he may be found,
that there will be a time when He will not be.

Daddy, as I wake up each day expecting to hear Your voice and see You throughout the day,
please increase my desire for the things of You and make me aware and sensitive to notice
Your fingerprints on the small and big things of this day.  

Family

As I woke up this morning, I pondered....
   how is it possible to be exhausted and refreshed at the same time?
I  just came back from what I would say is markedly the best part of my summer thus far.
My cousin and I planned our first family reunion and it was located on their farm.
What a perfect setting it was...I'll give you a few of my favorite highlights!

• tipping the tent trailer with Teresa during set-up
• Laura biting it on the scooter
• late campfires
• watching the kids playing in the woodpile (it looked like life-sized lego blocks)
• Playing with my sweet Jackey-bum
• long-legs the sheep and the phantom baa-ing
• California Cows
• Impromptu "Melo's Barber Shop" in the morning
• Emily's awesome scavenger hunt
• literally screaming as Chris took me four-bying on his gator
• hearing Chris re-tell me that Caleb was  "up for anything" when it was his turn
• Epic water fights
• Mayson swimming nudy in the pool (he's only one)!
• Megan's tattoos 
• Watching my cousin's kids lovin' on my kids 
• Talent show!!! Teresa's MMA moves and Eva's Classic Rewind rocked my world.
• So many other hilarious skits...i.e. Lochlin's Old McDonald had a jazzy farm rendition!
• Chris's stories....any/all of them!
• Andre' playing electric guitar
• One on one time with  my cousin Teresa
• Riding to the pool in the big yellow bus and the wild ride home!
• Hanging out with my Aunty Mel, I especially loved watching her dancing with Kaitlyn, it reminded me of when she and I use to do the same thing!
• I love her girls...they will try anything!
• Kaitlyn "getting me"....she is a savage shark in the pool you know and way too cute!
• The girls picking on Andrew....he had it coming....don't feel too sorry for him!
• Horse back riding with Jerome...almost falling off my horse Nelly at a full gallop.
• Writing our names in the abandoned house
• Watching Jerome, Eric and James run and jump on Harley (Jerome's horse) like the lone-ranger.
• .....and of course Matthew's attempt.....hey, at least he tried.
• Quading with Aunty Anna
• Raymond's hoola-hooping skills and yelling "your the best cousin ever" when I soaked him on the gator!

.....so many more things I could go on and on!
I absolutely adore my family.....almost everyone got to come for at least part of it!
I loved watching my dad enjoying all the kids....
   I loved that we got to make so many great memories together!
I'm so glad my grandma got to come, and loved the video of my grandpa....
   just the way I remember him.


There, in the presence of the LORD your God, 
  you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything 
  you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 12:17 

Thank you Daddy for blessing the time we spent together as family, making memories together!

What are you boasting about?

Do you ever try to talk the good talk,
  trying to impress people with how busy and productive you are?

I have found that kind of conversation to be kind of like bug spray.
It repels depth of conversation and intimacy in relationship.

I long for the real deal......conversations that boast about God!
Being around people, that make me want to spend MORE time with Jesus.
I love getting into the nitty-gritty of real life and taking those concerns to God.
I love then seeing His faithfulness in the long run;
  as I stand in genuine relationship with others...as we seek Him on our lives.

Through the course of life I have enjoyed getting to know many people;
  and don't get me wrong, I LOVE spending time with people.
And yet.....there are only a few that know the depth of my heart.
  (and boy, oh boy, am I thankful for them!)
I suppose that is a good thing, if I relied primarily on people for support,
  I would not earnestly seek audience with the giver of these relationships.

Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
  or the strong man boast of his strength
  or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this:
  that he understands and knows me,
that I am LORD, who exercises kindness,
  justice and righteousness on earth;
  for in these I delight,"
         declares the LORD.

Father, I thank you for friendships that have fostered growth in my relationship with You.
I pray that you would nudge me, whenever my conversation is remaining in a superficial place.
I thank you for all the experiences I have had with You that I can share to encourage others in their relationship with You....remind me to boast about the things of YOU! 
To walk in joy and peace; with an attitude of gratitude, grace and trust. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Context

This is what the LORD says:

Stand at the crossroads and look;
  ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
  and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16

Sounds like an amazing bible promise!  I agree!
I left out one small part of the verse, because I think that sometimes that's what we do.
We find out something we like to hear in the bible and use the part that appeals to us.
I have learned to be cautious with this practice.
The very last part of this verse says:

But you said, "We will not listen."

I believe it is a warning.
God's people said, "We will not listen".
Will I be the same??? Do I want the promises and not the warnings???
This verse requires action on our part....."ask"...."walk in it".
Am I willing to walk out what God has shown me to do???
When He asks me to hang out with people less and invest in my family?
When He asks me to shut my mouth and honor my husband?
When He asks me to be quick to apologize, quick to forgive?

God, I want to live a life that honors you!
I want to live a simple life of holiness and obedience.
Your Word says that I should be holy, because You are holy.
Please show me where I need to change, and grant me the grace to do what You ask of me.
Thank you that I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.

Proud Momma

As I type away...I can hear my boys....
they asked if they could hang out with the elderly couple that lives next door.
Oh, how I can feel my heart swell with joy!
I peeked out Jesse's bedroom window to see them chatting and enjoying
fruit salad and a ginger ale.
(I wish I hadn't have noticed Caleb being uber-proud of a burp....but hey)
May they never loose the desire to spend time with people, and "give life" to those around them.

The Fear of the Lord

This week I felt God impressing me to study the fear of the Lord.

I wonder what it is you think the fear of the Lord means?
Is it a fearful feeling or life giving feeling?
The fear of the Lord is not meant to have us cowering at the
judgmental pointing finger of this big bad guy in the sky.

Rather, it is showing respect and honor due the Most High King of the Universe.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence,
  but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation
  with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you to will and to act
  in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-13

We ought to be so careful that we do not treat God and the things of God as common, but holy.
We ought to remember that at the end of the day, when all is said and done....we will have to
give account for the way we spent our lives.

Let all the earth fear the LORD;
   let all the people of the world revere him. 
Psalm 37:8

I love the way John Bevere describes the importance of holy fear:
  Holy fear is the key to God's sure foundation, unlocking the treasuries of salvation,
  wisdom and knowledge.  Along with the love of God, it composes the very foundation of life! 
  We soon learn that we cannot truly love God until we fear Him;
  nor can we properly fear   Him until we love Him.
(from his book titled: The Fear of the Lord)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
  but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7

Father, I know that You are holy, powerful and due all my respect and reverence.
May I never loose sight of that fact and become so comfortable and complacent in our relationship.
Help me to truly grasp the fear of God, and live my life in a way that honors you.

Chosen

If you have ever struggled to know who you are and if you are acceptable, you are not alone!
The verse that I have been pondering today speaks to these issues, and is so encouraging.

I took you from the ends of the earth,
  from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, "You are my servant';
  I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; 
  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 40:9-10

Two short verses and so many amazing things!

• He called me
• He chose me
• He strengthens me
• He helps me
• He upholds me

WOW! 
Though we may be rejected by those we love here,
we are chosen by the King of Kings!

Thank you Daddy for encouraging me in the times I need to hear Your voice most.
You are strong, powerful, faithful and I thank you that
You will not reject me....I am called and chosen by You!

Quietness and Confidence

There is a big difference between self-confidence and God-confidence.
Relying on myself for confidence only seems to breed selfishness and pride.
Relying on God for my confidence brings joy, peace and fruitfulness.
God-confidence is quiet, knowing I don't have to stand up for or justify myself.



The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
  its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
Isaiah 32:17

It is trusting Him to grow my character as I seek to know His character more.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
   whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
   that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
   its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
   and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8

It is knowing that Jesus is my example, and my help.
He knows what I am going through; He's been there, He trusted the Father and so can I!

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, 
  but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are
  —yet he did not sin.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, 
  so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 
Hebrews 4:15-16

I have a choice, what will I do with today?
Will I be quiet before God and listen to Him whisper to me today?
Will I be confident that His grace is enough?
I was never called to be busy....I was called to rest in Him.
That does not mean that I will do nothing....it means that I will be able
to wait for Him to show me what it is He wants me to do next....confident that
His plans for my day are much better than what I could come up with on my own.

This is what the Sovereign Lord,the Holy One of Israel, says:
  “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.
        In quietness and confidence is your strength."
Isaiah 30:15

Thank you Daddy that in the chaos and confusion of life, I can rest in You.
Even though at times it feels like my emotions are taking over ...... I can stand!
I can stand in quietness and confidence, knowing that You have a good plan for my life.

Check it out!

I don't have time for a long post today, because I have a very important date!

It's with a very handsome young man today.....and since my hubby has declared that

at the ripe age of 33 that he is OLD....I am referring to my cutie-patootie little 

almost-nine-month-old nephew!

Well....I can't wait to spend the morning with my boys, my sweet sister 

and this adorable young man!

But before I go, I would love to encourage you (if you haven't already)
to go to Proverbs 31 Ministries and sign up for their devotional that gets sent to your email.
There has rarely been a day that I have not received something that did not impact my thinking
or encouraged me in one way or another.
(And I have been a subscriber for over a year now....by the way it's free)

The site is www.proverbs31.org, and the devotions are on the right hand side of the screen.

Hope you have an amazing day, now that summer has officially arrived!

"The LORD bless you
   and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you
   and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
   and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26

What is Really Required of Me?

I've had alot of time to ponder the time I invest in things lately.
It has been extremely beneficial as I've shifted into a lower gear.
Living simply and investing more time into my relationship with God
(really seeking out His character), my husband and my children.
I've spent time asking God if what I am doing is honoring Him,
 is it fruitful, and if I am hearing Him right in how I spend my time.
Every season of life is can be busy, but is it truly fruitful?
What am I doing with the other six days of the week (besides Sunday)?
Who am I when nobody is looking?
What does God say about what He requires of me?


He has showed you, O man, what is good.
  And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
  and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 7:7

It is funny how simple it should be, and yet I can easily work it up into something complicated.
Our society measures success by business, and yet I feel a tug to quiet and simple.
I am reading a book titled Weird by Craig Groeschel and I highly recommend it!
I love the subtitle : Because normal isn't working.
How true is that!  I want to be weird in the best kind of way....Jesus' way!

Thank you Daddy for the truths in Your Word!
Please rearrange my heart, my mind, and my priorities.
Show me what needs to stay and what needs to go; that my life would honor You!

Soflty Spoken Words from the Father

Have you ever just sat quietly in a place of brokenness and surrender,
 and heard your Daddy God speak softly over you?
Yesterday, as I sat broken at the front of our sanctuary,
  repenting and surrendering again what I have taken back so many times....

I started to feel the stir in my spirit to get up.....
  but was gently nudged to stay put and allow the worship to wash over me.

He spoke sweet and loving Words:

The LORD your God is with you,
  he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
  he will quiet you with his love,
  he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I can't think of anything more beautiful!

Thank you Daddy, that You are so personal. 
That You meet me in my times of need and that You speak specifically to me.
Thank you for a pastor that creates space for us to meet with You in such profound ways.
Thank you for friends to encourage and pray.
You are so unbelievably good to me, and You bless me in ways
that I could never think, dream or imagine!

What Are You Wearing?

God has so much to say about what we should wear.
When I think about putting on the things God asks, it is such a leap of faith.
Sometimes I feel a bit silly "putting on" something I can't see.
But, when I "throw off" the things that I carry on my own;
   sin, worries, anxieties, expectations, judgements, selfishness.....
and "put on" what God offers;
   strength, light, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,
    and Jesus Christ himself....how do I feel?
Lighter! Stronger! Confident! Purposeful! Joyful! Peaceful!

The thing God has continually asked me to "put on" this past month is Humility.
   ...to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you.
           Deuteronomy 8:16

I can't say it has been comfortable, but it has been worth it!
    Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
      because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 
    Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature
      and complete, not lacking anything.
   James 1:2-4

I encourage you today to wait at the Lord's feet, to humble yourself before Him.
Ask Him what needs to be changed in you.....it may be hard, but it will be worth it!
   For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an 
          eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
   2Corinthians 4:17

Remember to "put on" humility....

   All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, 
     because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
   1 Peter 5:5
And don't forget to "put on love"....
   And over all these virtues put on love, 
     which binds them all together in perfect unity. 
   Colossians 3:14

Daddy, as I throw off all the things that hinder my relationship with You; and as I humbly yet boldly come before Your throne of grace....please help me to see You, in this work of character that You are doing in me.
I thank you that You who starts a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Please remind me to "put on" the things of You, even before I set foot out of my bed, so that You will be glorified and be made visible by my lifestyle.

Take It Off!

Stay with me here.....still not talking about clothes!
There are things God has asked me to take off, throw off and/or leave behind.
How about you?
I've been asked to take off the mask that says "Everything is just fine";
  when in fact it is not.....that takes humility and vulnerability.
I've been asked to throw off my attachment to food;
  this is uncomfortable because it requires trust and submission.
I've been asked to leave behind fear of what people think;
  if God is for me....what can man do to me?
  This required tremendous faith!
In light of eternity our time here is but a vapor.....
 when I look into the face of Jesus, I want to hear:
"Well done, my good and faithful servant!"

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
 let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,
 let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
 who for the joy set before him endured the cross,
 scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men,
 so that you will not grow weary and loose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3

Thank you Daddy for all  that You do for me, for all that You teach me each day.
Please help me to remember Your words throughout my day,
so that I may be a doer of the Word and not merely a hearer of it.
Please give me the grace and strength I need to throw off all that hinders my walk with You,
and the ability to clearly see Jesus each and every day!
let us

Put it On!

Hahaha....I'm not talking about modesty issues here!
I spent time with a wonderful, faithful and very encouraging friend yesterday,
 and I am telling you that every time we are together God gets me thinking!
She read a verse to me that made me wanna go home, rush into my bible
 and see "what else" does God have to say about this.....here is what I found!

Therefore as God's chosen people,
  holy and dearly loved,
  clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, 
  humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear  with each other and forgive whatever grievances 
  you may have against one another.  forgive as the Lord forgave you. 
And over all these virtues put on love, 
 which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3: 12-14


We were talking about "putting on" yesterday,
  and I am amazed at how often God tell us to "put on" things!
It may be worded as "clothe" as well....
  do you take the time to "put on" the things God asks you to?
I need to remember to take the time to put on what I need to walk
  in a way that will glorify and honor God each and every day!
But it doesn't end there....the rest of the chapter is amazing,
  so I will share it too!

Let the peace of Christ rule you hearts,
  since as members of one body you were called to peace. 
And be thankful.  
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach 
  and admonish  one another with all wisdom, 
  and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs
  with gratitude in you hearts to God.  
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, 
  do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
  giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17

Thank you Daddy, that I can see you working in my relationships!
Thank you for friends that "bear up" with me in the tough times
and are Your hands and feet here and now.
I see how beautifully your wisdom enriches my life as I see the benefit
of what you have taught me working in everyday life. 
I surrender my heart to You today, and ask that You would reign there;
and please give me Your perfect peace today,
   in Jesus Mighty name I pray...Amen!

Sometimes it's Hard and Lonely

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
   for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart
   and free me from my anguish.  
Psalm 25:16-17


Have you ever spent at time feeling very lonely?
You see people that you love, and yet feel like an outsider looking in?
Change can be hard.
Life can be lonely.
I am thankful that I am not alone.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him
  Psalm 37:7 

God is good, faithful, trustworthy and wise.
What is on the other side of this dark place?
Only He knows!
I can trust Him, because He loves and cares for me!

       Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
   whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
   of whom shall I be afraid?
 When the wicked advance against me
   to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
   who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
   my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
   even then I will be confident.
One thing I ask from the LORD,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
   and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
   he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
   and set me high upon a rock.
 Then my head will be exalted
   above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
   I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
   be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
   Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,
   do not turn your servant away in anger;
   you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
   God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
   the LORD will receive me.
Teach me your way, LORD;
   lead me in a straight path
   because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
   for false witnesses rise up against me,
   spouting malicious accusations.
 I remain confident of this:
   I will see the goodness of the LORD
   in the land of the living.
 Wait for the LORD;
   be strong and take heart
   and wait for the LORD. 

Daddy, I will wait on You....and believe Your promises!
I know that I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
Thank you Jesus...

Leaning!

Thinking it's funny how sometimes God makes people strategically
unavailable so that you have to lean on Him to get you through stuff!

 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Thank you Daddy that you show me time and time again that Who I need is You!

His Words for the Weary

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
   Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
   for I am gentle and humble in heart, 
  and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
   Matthew 11:38-30 

Thank you Jesus, that You give rest to the weary, hope to the hopeless and peace to the broken!
Please help me to cast all my cares on You today, because You care for me.
Please help me to see You in all things today!

One Step at a Time!

Life is a walk.
Each day we take steps.
Our tomorrow is determined by the steps we take today.
  Stormie Omartian - Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On.

I am realizing that there is so much "process" to growth.
What I mean by that is that it takes alot of time to change.
Sometimes I almost sprint, other times it is more like army-crawling
in a hurricane....sliding backwards as much as pulling forward,
holding on for dear life to every inch of ground that is gained.
I don't know if it is a good idea to write when I am still so emotionally charged?!?
But hey, lets keep it real....

He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. 
  Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
  Job 2:10

I do struggle with being patient in the wait....and persevering through the trouble.
But, that is changing the more time I spend with God,
   getting to know His character through His Word,
  and personal experiences I have with Him.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
  whenever you face trials of many kinds, 
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 
   James 1:2-3

Thank you Daddy that I can lean on, trust in and rely on You
  in any and all things I face each day!
I pray for Your peace and presence today,
  because my heart will choose to say Blessed be the Name of the Lord.