Next Week's S.O.A.P Printables

Hello ladies,
I hope you're all having a wonderful, relaxing weekend :)
Here are the lovely little printable sheets for this coming week; I don't know about you, but I love digging into each reading using these!!

S.O.A.P Week #2

Thank you so much for all your encouraging and beautiful testimonies to your love for God this past week. It's a sunny spot in my day and a privilege to share your hearts. :)

Goodnight!
~Cait

James 1: 9-11

The timing of these verses is ironic. I missed my posting yesterday because the hours of my day were filled to the brim. Ninety minute morning yoga session, work all day rushing rushing to make the dollar, followed by an impromptu date night with hubby. My priorities, although normal in this world, weren't right. I missed my quiet moments with the Lord to give my time to fading ventures. (Don't get me wrong - spending time with hubby is way important!!!! haha)
But reading these verses today about keeping perspective on the relation between faith and possessions/status in life brings me to my knees. I am aware of many days of getting wrapped up in shopping, or paying the bills and stressing, in spending, saving, valuing the things and the dollars that interestingly enough can devalue our life as Christians. They are blessings to be humbly thankful for. But too often I become carried away in using them or the lack of them to define who I am and what my life is.
In a normal day, I feel very rich. I am quite literally not rich, but I suppose I don't know if I would like that to be so. I have always thought that the rich have it harder, because they may be much more tempted to trust in their savings accounts and fancy mansions to protect them in life rather than having faith in God. But the opposite could be equally as difficult; being very poor can cause one to curse God and avoid faith due to the belief that God isn't good and providing...
This is a long discussion topic :) But I wanted to share the reminder these verses held for me: Working hard at my job and taking care of my body and my "stuff" is definitely what God would have me do.

But I pray to have his eyes and attitude toward it all. That it's all dust and withering day after day.

None of it is worthy of our love and worship. I long to tend to what will stay with me after I die, to water and nurture what waters and nurtures my soul. I long to live intentionally, with eternity in mind.
I try to picture my dying day, what I'll spend my last moments thinking back on from my life, what I'll be grateful I spent my energy on...
All I know is that money and all this "stuff" we have is not what I want it to be.

Keeping perspective, girls.

1 Timothy 6:7-12

"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

But you, [woman] of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..."

Have a relaxing weekend :)

Stay warm in his love,

~Cait

James 1: 9-11

Even though these verses describe what we shouldn't be like, I love the imagery that James used here. God uses the the scorching heat to explain how His power can destroy us (the wild flower that passes away). While at one time this wild flower was beautiful, in the end, the heat destroyed it to nothing.

Our earthly concerns can make us feel like we have nothing to be thankful for. (How sad is that?) It's easy to feel like our worth depends on how our life is going. When we earn some extra money here and there and we can finally get something that we've been wanting for a while, it fills us with excitement and joy. But in a few months or a year, what we wanted will most likely be forgotten and in the past.

God gave us the greatest gift that can never be forgotten. God gives us so many blessings, earthly and spiritual, and we should always thank HIM, and recognize that we would have absolutely nothing if it weren't for our Savior. He will never fade away from us.

Jame: 1:7-8

First I want to start by saying I hope my lack of comments has not made you think I have not been faithfully following these posts and readings :) I am! There are times when all of you have put my exact thoughts in such beautiful words I feel hardly a thing could be added! A time or tow though, I have only had time to read and not post.

Anyway, from yesterday....James 1:7-8

We just had a great class discussion on this the other day! Two examples were given and each really made me think. Here is the first:

Miss Jackson is a 3rd grade teacher and she told her class, "remember when you pray you should trust God. If you pray for a new bicycle for your birthday, you should believe that you will really get it or your prayer is an insult to God from a double-minded heart." The question asked was: what do you think of her instruction?

Obviously God is not a genie. Asking for a bicycle is asking for something totally for me, that in no way benefits my faith, its just for me. The example was about asking for things from God with the wrong motives.

The second example I appreciated a little more because its even more applicable.

Here it is:

Alicia just turned 19. She goes to church every Sunday and reads her bible regularly at home. At worship she prays the Lord's prayer. She has just done so this past week. But Friday night is the big party, and she plans to let herself get "talked into" getting drunk with the rest of her friends. This is something she has done before; in fact, it doesnt bother her much anymore. The question for this was: "What words in vs. 8 describe Alicia when she prays?"

Obviously double minded is the answer. But why? She is a double-minded person all together...either she is faithful or she is not. She cannot be both. She sounds like someone who would know what God says about getting drunk, yet willingly lets herself get talked into going against what she believes in.

So even now, when she prays for forgiveness, is she being double minded? I ask this because someone pointed out in class that "being forgiven (knowing you will be) does not condone sinning on purpose"

If she were truly sorry for letting herself get talked into such things, you would think an effort would be made to stop.

So in praying for anything, even as deep as forgiveness, lets not be double minded.

That is what these verses say to me.

James 1:7-8

These verses made me think about my prayer life, and how easy it is to pray and not genuinely believe that God will do anything about it. It makes me feel guilty for the times that I pray halfheartedly, praying just for the sake of knowing that I said some 'prayers' for the day. (I'm not sure if I'm explaining it in an understandable way...) When Christians pray in this way, we're not benefiting our faith. Like James is saying,

"That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

I think a way to go about being more confident in prayer is taking some time to think about everything God has done for us in the past, all the blessings He has provided for us, and His promises He gives us to rely on in the Bible. He is in control and we can be absolutely sure that we can put our full trust in Him.

This week I am praying that God will help me and everyone who needs it to become more confident in our prayer life.

James 1:9-11

After scratching my head (reading footnotes, looking for a commentary) a bit over this, I was finally able to wrap my head around the rich man definitely being a Christian. If he wasn't, the verse would have a different meaning.

What I gained from this paragraph is that rich or poor, what we have to boast in is the Lord. Sometimes it is tempting to look on somebody else and think that they don't have much to go through, or that they have it "easy," when really, if they are a Christian, they are always going in or out of a trial. God uses our circumstances (rich or poor, etc.) to bring us low--which brings us so high! when we realize where our strength lies--in the Almighty One. Maybe that's what is meant by, "the brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position," because he is forced to depend to trust continually for what he cannot always provide with his own hands.

The following (inspired by Courtney) is a song for you gals. It seems to be the theme of your writing, what I keep being encouraged to hear from you--that our Father has been faithful to us and will continue to be faithful to us...through our trials, in every aspect of our lives.

Thank you God for being faithful in bringing us through another week and being with us during it! Thank you girls for your shared insights, encouragement, and prayers!

God bless your weekend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTLfQ05Otk0

James 1:7-8

I'll have to admit, this makes me feel a little ashamed. James says that the person that doubts should not receive anything from God, for they are double-minded and unstable. Wow. Seems harsh, doesn't it?

Well, yes and no. Our Lord demands perfection from us, yet he knows we can never achieve it. That's what His salvation is for. But then James asserts, how DARE we be doubtful, wavering children of the King? How dare we think anything but good could come from the trials and problems of life? We know He has been faithful from what He has done in the past, so why would we think anything less now?

And this is where I sigh...
I know there is so much I need to work on in my faith life, and doubting God's will is definitely one of them. But I also know that God is forgiving, more forgiving than any human could ever be. And so I know that no matter how many times I second-guess what He is doing in my life, He will be there, whispering gently, Be still, Courtney. I know what I'm doing. Let go and TRUST me.

James 1:7-8

These verses definitely show me how NOT to be! haha
Nothing about our reading for today is pleasant in imagination; it brings to mind all sorts of bad character flaws associated with instability, distrust, unreliability, etc. in a person who claims to be a Christian. Isn't that quite an ugly person, regardless of his or her physical attributes?
All I can think reading verses 7-8 is "I do not want to be this woman!!"
It seems ridiculous to think that as a Christian you would ever doubt God or not trust him to work for your good. But, really, be honest with yourself and think. Has that always been the truth for me? Have I never doubted God's goodness and ability in any situation? Have I never forgotten that he's in control and he is working even when it appears everything is stagnant about the situation? Have I never been unstable in my faith?
Unfortunately, I confess I can't answer no to those questions. Shamefully, yes, I have forgotten. Old Self has doubted and pressed firmly in the other direction from Gracious God.
But through these "roller coaster" interactions with Him, he has nevertheless hidden me in Grace and after the fogginess of my sin has cleared, I am assured of my faith in God, who is always in control and always guides the situation for my good.
There are times of wisdom and foolishness, in this battle of good and evil that is our tiresome lot on earth. In this fight though, God offers a lighter load.
He says, come to me. Let your eyes fall on the pages of my Word. Let your heart rest there. Talk to me, call to me, and let me wrap you up in comfort and help.
Perfect Wisdom is never wholly attainable for us on this side of heaven; but in our childlike faith, what can stop us from asking Giving God for a full measure anyway?

Girls, I pray for you to have an earnest, confident faith as you ask God for whatever may seem to be the impossible today. He is more than capable to give it!

Stay warm in His love ~Cait

James 1:7-8

That man [unstable in all he does] should not think he will receive anything from the Lord."

I think James is still talking about praying for wisdom in particular here, but with prayer, in general, I thought about some of the people who I prayer for daily or monthly or some whom maybe I have forgotten and only pray for every so often--the people I don't live around and may never see face-to-face again. There are a lot of unbelievers whom I have met in different places. And there are some people whom I am concerned about, even in my own family, but I hope and pray that they have/will have that seed of faith. Only God knows their hearts. Do you girls have people like this, who don't seem to have faith working in them--at least from what you can see--and you begin to wonder if God will ever pull them out? I know I have been guilty at times of praying for them in a half-believing way, not knowing if it is God's will that they be saved, because it doesn't seem to have happened in the years that I have prayed. It IS God's will that they be saved. I need to petition God with a heart that believes he can and will do this. Otherwise, I am like that ever-moving, unstable wave.

James 1:5-6

Doesn't the world offer all kinds of wisdom? So many times I hear this and that, in a song, in a book, coming from people's mouths. All these insights! So many times I find myself wanting so badly to call people out on these things and say "you're wrong!" But vs. 5 adds the words without finding fault"

To me that means I should look at my motives for asking for wisdom. Sometimes I find myself wishing I had the perfect "in your face comment" for some people. As if to say "There! that'll put you in your place!" But what should be my real motive for asking for wisdom? Should it not be so that I can know Him better? And then be able to show lovingly that wisdom to those who have all kinds of false wisdom?? (not so i can slap them in the face with it...)

And so sisters:

"I keep asking that the God of out Lord Jesus Christ, the Glorious Father, may give you the spirit of revelation, so that you may know Him better." -Ephesians 1:17

This is true! I do!

Not just so you may know him better though, but also because "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.- Ephesians 4:14

So I pray that you are not "like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind" -James 1:6

Don't eat up the wisdom that the world has to offer, but instead pray that you can offer true wisdom to them, so they may know the Father as you know Him!

James 1:5-6

The Lord is our perfect Mentor! When I read these verses today, it made me gratefully realize that God is there for me to ask advice from, to glean wisdom from. Because of faith, I can come to him when I am experiencing any difficulty, trial, misunderstanding, or hurt and ask him for whatever I need: how to deal or react to the situation, how to persevere and witness to others, how to see the situation through His eyes. It is such a soothing thought how God nurtures us when we sit at his feet looking for guidance. He won't turn away a humble and sincere plea for wisdom and understanding in any hardship or sin I face.
Although we deserve it, He won't even remind us of our past mistakes and how we lacked in faith or wisdom then; he rather lovingly desires to give us all good things now.
Ask, seek, and knock - trustingly.

"No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." (Psalm 84:11)

And Wisdom herself is one of the best things!!!
Have a relaxing evening, sweet daughters of the King :)
~Cait

James 1:5-6

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God..."

We all lack wisdom, don't we? We are flawed, incomplete, broken individuals who live in a corrupted world. We don't know why things happen, or what to do when they happen to us. We don't have answers to our questions much of the time. When we think we do have answers, sometimes our solutions end up being wrong ones, and we get more hurt in the end. This passage says to me that in any and every situation, our first thought should be -- ASK. Ask our Father for help and direction, before we make any other move. So often in our lives, we run ahead of our Lord, thinking we know what to do, and forget to just wait. Breathe, and listen. As Paula wrote in her post, one of the four answers to prayer can be slow. Don't be so quick to jump into action. Wait for God to move, and follow where He leads. I think we'd all be surprised at how much wisdom we can obtain by simply watching.

James 1:5-6

"ask believing"

Someone said that the four answers to prayer are, "No, Slow, Grow, or Go!" God says here in James that the answer to asking for wisdom is always yes--go grow. :) But we must pray believing...and be ready for the tests that will come. I need help in the area of recognizing those trials when they come as the answer to my prayer...back to the considering it pure joy. I am praying for the mindset that whatever God sends is best, a blessing to come from through tests and temptations allowed.

When I read about the doubter being like a wave tossed at sea, I tried to think of a word picture of the man who doesn't doubt. I thought of Psalm 1--"He is like a tree planted by streams of water." And those streams reminded me of the river in Ps. 46 "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God." This is the river flowing with his blessings--peace, strength, love, forgiveness. The man who believes may have wind tearing at his leaves or hail hitting him, but he is strong, rooted in the Lord, for he is sustained by that life-giving river of blessings.

Lord, I believe, please help my unbelief! Keep us near your river.

James 1:5-6

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

When we have to make a challenging decision, it can be hard and stressful to make a choice - especially if it will change our circumstances. Praying to our Lord is always a comfort in these times. James is telling us that when we pray, we need to be completely confident that our Lord will supply us with whatever we are lacking. It's kinda funny to think about because why wouldn't we trust in our loving and compassionate Savior, who died for all of us undeserving sinners?!

No matter what, in the end God's will will be evident to us. The comforting thing about making decisions is that if we make the wrong decision God will let us know so we can follow His will. He throws roadblocks in our way until we realize what we really should be doing. Only God can be the source of our wisdom. He gives us all the answers that we need, and is there to support us through it. We can be confident that God is in control and will supply us with everything we will ever need, because He always has.

James 1:3-4

Though I've read these verses so many times during my life, for some reason this time verse four caught me.

...so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James says here that by persevering through the trials of life, we become more mature, more wise, not lacking anything.

Not lacking anything? Anything??

I find that hard to wrap my head around. Having been taught since I was little that faith is a constant journey and growth cycle from the moment the Holy Spirit puts it in my heart till my dying breath, this makes me a little confused. If I went through the worst possible catastrophes and pushed through them, coming out a stronger and better person on the other side, would I then be "complete, not lacking anything"?

These first passages of James bring back into my mind a song I heard years ago, a beautiful reminder of why God allows us to go through hardships. At times, music seems to have a much greater effect on me than reading mere words on a page. Have a listen to this one, and I think you'll see why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtNzOpKvPfw

James 1:3-4

My junior year I transferred to a performing arts school in downtown St. Paul, and the two years that I spent there was a huge test for my faith everyday. The school was very anti-Christian and anti-conservative, and all around me were opportunities to witness to people who really needed it. My closest friends were mostly atheist except for one of my friends who was Mormon. It was hard trying to talk to them about something they had such strong opinions on, and unfortunately, I never spoke to my atheist friends about God's love. They knew that I was a Christian, but still spoke harshly about how Christians were "closed-minded and discriminating" around me. During these years my faith felt like a roller coaster, constantly changing from better to worse to better again.

Even though I didn't do well with the test God put in front of me at that school, I know that it made a huge impact on me. My faith is so much stronger now, and I know that it was God's plan for me to go there because it influenced me to go into the ministry. Looking back, the test was a blessing even though it was tough at times. It's so encouraging to know that every test we go through is going to equip us, and others in the future. I love the passage that Paula posted from Romans. It's so motivating and keeps our eyes on the future God has in store for us! One passage that came to my mind that is useful in times of trials and testing is Hebrews 13:5-6.

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Praying for you all!

-Jess

James 1:3-4

Good morning!
"the testing of your faith"  I was thinking where this most fits into my life, and of course there's always many little tests here and there in a sinful world, but for me, the classroom where I take most of my tests lately is where I work. I know this isn't a huge surprise considering I work with mostly non-Christians, but the real test for me, which I confess to feel I've failed at rather than stood firm under, is in working with my managers. Where I work, the managers aren't typical and aren't easy to work under. It gets stressful and hectic there more often than not, and the daily test is to not grumble, complain, or gossip about the management. I work with the other full-time ladies, and they too understand the strain this puts on them. But engaging with them in all this unchristian talk and useless venting is no perseverence under trials. It's giving right into them in the way of my Old Self. It's not good. And I confess to doing this with deep sadness and upset at myself, because I feel I've been a horrible witness, if one at all!
I pray this morning that God would give me his perspective on this situation, and his power to refrain from the "bad talk" and rather display a respectful attitude for their position. I don't respect their behavior all the time, but I do need to respect their God-created position.
I know that persevering in this with God's strength and a godly attitude will produce Christian maturity in me that itself will be the witness I long to have at work.
I know I have the weapons to fight Satan's temptations to gossip and complain.
I'm asking you girls to please pray for God's strength to increase in me so that I may honor God with my work and my speech at work better. Please pray that I may develop patience and perseverence under these moments which are my major trials right now. Thank you!!
And thank God for his unending grace with which I can enter a new day as a whole woman!!

Have a beautiful first day of February, girls! We're living in a snowglobe today from all the snow we got yesterday :)
~Cait

James 1:3-4

"The disappointments of life are simply the hidden appointments of love." CA Fox

"...because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5

The world has it right when they say that the tough things in life "build character." But if this is all that some think will come from challenges, then they are to be pitied, because our heavenly Father wants to fill us with hope--the hope of a Savior, the hope of heaven, and the hope of intimacy with the God-man who wants to be our best friend in this life--Jesus.

It is encouraging for me to think that I might not always be the girl I am today. Though I will never be nearly perfect (until Jesus comes again), and though God may not test me in a way the world views as "hard," it is encouraging to think that God could carry me through trials in my life to mature me and better equip me to encourage others. When I think of some of the inspiring people in my life or people in the Bible, they are people who have been through something hard or just through life!-- a series of daily of trials--and have found victory in their Savior. I know that if I were suddenly a grandma, hurled through time, and had the same attitude and amount of experiences as I do know, I probably wouldn't be a very good one. haha

anonymous poem from a Feb.1 devotion:

"This is from Me," the Savior said,

As bending low He kissed my brow,

"For One who loves you thus has led.

Just rest in Me, be patient now,

Your Father knows you have need of this,

Though, why perhaps you cannot see--

Grieve not for things you've seemed to miss.

The thing I send is best for thee."

Then, looking through my tears, I plead,

"Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know,

It will not be hard since You do tread,

Each path before me here below."

And for my good this thing must be,

His grace sufficient for each test.

So still I'll sing, "Whatever be

God's way for me is always best."

Extra Thought

I found this the other day and since it's winter and snowy and we're all busy, and our verses for today and tomorrow are about choosing joy when trials (and stress) come, I thought it applicable and ...beautiful.
Have a relaxing evening, and enjoy!
Love you all ~Caits

Real Stress Relief

James 1:1-2

The first thing I did when I was reading these verses was go online and look up the passage in as many other translations as I could find. I like doing that when I'm reading Scripture because most of us have grown up reading the NIV Bible. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but seeing especially common verses over and over again can diminish their impact over time. That's why I find it eye-opening when I read familiar passages in other translations, seeing how the same words can be conveyed with new meaning.

Most of the translations were quite similar in the way they worded James 1:1-2. One that particularly stuck with me was worded as such... "When you face hardship of any kind, consider it an opportunity for joy." Opportunity. A chance to do something.

When tragedy, problems, stress, etc. strikes, many times our first instinct is to panic. And that is not our fault. God made humans with emotions and those emotions usually do what they want. That's what sin has done to mankind. So when I say that our first reaction to trials is a negative one, that implies a lack of a choice. The decision to panic was made before we could even think about feeling anything else. So how, then, can we consider hardship an opportunity for joy?

Maybe we can't choose -- at least not right away. But once our mind and body have recognized a problem--a trial--we do have a choice. We can let ourselves run away with it, get worried or angry or sad or frustrated. OR... we can do what might not be so easy. We can fall to our knees in prayer to our Father and ask Him to give us happiness, despite what might be happening in our lives. Ask Him to show us an opportunity, the chance to see the circumstance with joy. Because when the world seems to be crumbling around us, it's our last thought to smile. Sometimes we simply want to be angry or hurt because that's the easiest thing to do. Yet what does God tell us time and time again? "My grace is sufficient for you..." (2 Cor. 12:9) He has proven Himself faithful, since the beginning of time, and so He will always be. His past promises are guarantees for the future, and worthy reason to continue crying out to Him.

We all know our Lord never said this life would be easy. But asking for His help is as easy as breathing. So when trials of life hit us, let's do the easy thing -- sit down and have a heart-to-heart with our Daddy.

James 1:1-2

Pure joy is obviously hard to have when we go through tough trials. It's all too easy to feel sorry for ourselves, vent or take it out on others, question what you possibly did to deserve it, and blame others for what we might be going through. Does this really make us feel better about it though? Even though our natural reactions come too easily, we need to take James' advice to "consider it pure joy."

By James saying that we should have a joyful attitude toward everything we go through, it means that we have no reason to worry or be angry. He isn't just giving us false hope to get us through, he really means what he says. Another comforting part of this passage is how James addresses us as brothers/sisters. It reminds us that we are not alone, and can go to each other with our problems and get through them together.

One thing to think about is, not only is this hard for us, but for those around us. When we have people that are close to us going through rough patches, sometimes we just tell them what they want to hear and make them feel like they have a reason to be angry even more, when we should be trying to encourage them with the same message of hope that we are trying to live by. Having this attitude can also be an opportunity to witness to others about the reason for the joy that we have from our gift of salvation.

If we can be thankful for the hard situations God puts in our path, just think of how much more grateful we will be for all of the daily blessings He provides for us! I hope all of you are having a wonderful day!

-Jess

James 1:1-2

Good morning!
After reading these verses this morning and pondering my applications and observations, I found that many many situations returned to memory in which I have reacted to "trials" in an emotional, short-sighted way. I can clearly remember knowing that God didn't want me to worry, much less be anxious or angry about the situation at the time, but the trial however big or small was usually overpowering enough - or my emotions were - that is was too easy to not be joyful.
Thinking this through, I realized that emotions, i.e. joyful emotions, are a blessing, but others like anxiety or frustration or anger often produce no good at all. I tend to struggle with reacting in accordance to my emotions, and I know this about myself to the extent that I prayed this morning for help to be patient and slow to anger and instead, quick to prayer and joyfulness next time I face a trial...which I know I will at some point!! It's important to take an honest look at our emotions and not immediately trust their accuracy in defining the situation. Just because I feel one way, doesn't mean it is. I learned today that God desires that I choose joy ~and other godly reactions/emotions~ over our natural reaction when a trial fills my life. He wants me to remember his past goodness, and how in the future He will only continue to be good and faithful with his promise "that in all things [he] works to the good of those who love him" (Rom. 8:28).
As much as a challenge this is, God's strength is enough to fulfill it! Praise Him for that!

~Cait

James 1:1-2

"Consider it pure joy, my [sisters], whenever you face trials of many kinds..."

This is our command from the Lord. Hmmm.....do I consider it pure joy in the face of trials? Not always. Not often. Our sermon yesterday began with an unfinished statement. "I'll be happy when..." Fill it in for you. "I'll be happy when...I'm over this cold, I get that new job/raise, I get to be with the one I love, I get to spend some quality time with my hubby when our schedules mesh better, I lose some weight, I get the new car, or I'm done with this trial--of sickness, awkward exposure, pain, waiting, whatever it might be."

I know how to thank God when he has helped me through a trial and it is over, but I am praying for the strength to thank him in the midst of it. Romans 5 reminds us that perseverance produces hope. God only allows what we can handle, and he gifts us with these trials to draw us close to him, to give us an opportunity to glorify him and to stand out in the way that we handle trials. It's going to look weird to the world when we are happy despite the flat tire, the dying grandma, the lost baby, or the lack of success that this world views as success.

I am praying to grow through trials, instead of merely going through them. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Love you girls...praying for us to see trials as opportunities to love God and others this week. Christ has already conquered each one for us!