Pure Joy?

Thought you might enjoy seeing the full outside view of Barbara's house upon completion! It really looks nice, don't you think?

Yesterday Pastor Rick had another thought provoking message and it didn't take long to put it to the test. I would like to ask for special prayers this evening, for Monty and his family. There was an awful tragedy this weekend, Monty's uncle committed suicide! It's always a loss when a family member passes away but to go this way is exceptionally tough! Please keep this entire family in your prayers during this tragic time.

The message - "Consider it Pure Joy when we go through trials and temptations". He took it straight from the book of James 1: 2-4.

He explained that God "chooses" us to go through the situation we are going through because He knows!!! we can handle it. God sees the beginning, the middle and the end! The testing produces perseverance, staying power, teaching us to stand firm! God knows that once we come through it we will come out on the other side "not lacking anything"! We are to stand firm, not letting our arms go limp from the weight but holding them high and lifted up in praise to our Lord. God sees and knows every detail of our lives! What is going on with us is not a coincidence, not happening by chance! God knows and is with us every step of the way! Thus the reason we are to face those trials with Pure Joy!

I know it's not easy. It can be very rough and you can be sitting there thinking you are the only one going through what ever it is you're going through. But --- you are NOT alone! God promises to be with us in everything!!! and as I have said before, God does NOT lie!

Monty and I could tell you one experience after another where God has been right here with us in whatever it is we are going through, in whatever way we are being tested, being tried! The devil no longer knocks on our back door trying to get in to us, he just comes right on in the front! He knows just how to get to us, where that "hot" button is, and just how to use it! Keeping our focus on God is the only way to get through! Considering those trials Pure Joy takes focusing our minds on our Lord, nothing else! Try it and see the blessed results!

A thought provoking question, "How can they know we are Christians if they cannot see us?" What do others see when they look at you? Do they see a Christian? Just "food for thought".

Thank you for all you do for us, for the thoughts and prayers. Those are what keep us going. I told someone the other day that those prayers you pray, well, sometimes I can actually "feel" them, sort of like I feel the shirt on my back. I feel them in the physical sense, and that is very comforting and gives me the feeling of strength! Thank you!

God bless all of you!

Until tomorrow ... Susan and Monty