James 1:26-27

Good morning girls!
Wondering how this week's challenge went for all of you! My report is interesting, but un-stunning. I found myself in an argument with my husband on Tuesday, when I distinctly recalled the verse about being quick to listen and slow to speak and become angry. As usual, I know I said more negative than I should have at all, BUT thankfully I didn't become out of control and rant and rave. I remember sitting there quietly, with all my might, and when I did talk, I tried to choose my words very carefully. I didn't execute that "discussion" perfectly, but I definitely think that keeping those words at the forefront of my heart helped immensely!

Then yesterday, at work, some things felt tense and frustrating for me with a few of my co-workers, and I could sense the anger and hurt welling and welling inside me, quite literally. My heart started to race and I felt myself seriously needing to control my breathing, and even more so anything I said during that time. I remember being pretty quiet and taking a moment or two by myself to ask God for strength. Oh, girls, it took all my energy and focus to not say anything or the wrong thing!! I am very thankful for God's companionship in that situation, because fortunately I don't think anyone could tell the war going on inside of me except me! Eventually it passed and I sighed in relief that the wrong feelings inside of me didn't spill over into making an entirely bigger problem out of what I was probably overreacting to in the first place.

Those two events could have taken on a different color and meaning if I hadn't remembered our verses for this week. Thank the Lord for making a difference in our lives by his power working through us!! It literally protects us from all kinds of evil - even in ourselves!!

But of course, those weren't the only situations where I needed to practice our challenge this week. Each day there were many of other opportunities where I know I failed; those were just two of the bigger examples where I felt the power of God's Word working overtime for me in a positive way. :)

Well we learn, and we grow, and then we fail...and learn and grow, don't we? It's a lifelong cycle.

This week's readings can be very well summed up by the following video. (Be encouraged! I think she always says things in such an effective way!)

Week 3 Wrap-Up Video

And then to follow up with another quite beautiful, short&sweet reading to lead you into your weekend, Why Silence is Really Golden.

I hope that you all have a marvelous, relaxing weekend with plenty of time to BE, to pray and worship, to find yourself in Him after a topsy-turvy crazy week. I have to work this weekend, and maybe you do too, so we especially, must make the time.

I love you all dearly, as we learn and grow and appreciate the unending grace and love our Father has for us.
 In Him,
~Cait