Tests and challenges...

Tests and challenges....

Here is it after 3 am...the smoke so thick outside, it looks like fog sifting through the streets, wandering here and there...causing my hay fever to act up as well as others with much more respiratory problems...so I am sneezing away waiting for meds to kick in...I am not actually awake with multitudes of plans and lists or tests and challenges going through my head this time...But still awake anyway...

This week was the week of the big eclipse.  It was fascinating to watch through the ellipse glasses, the movement of the sun, moon and earth...the slivers of light which was still enough  to give light to us all, even though it was cooler....what a amazing universe that God has created for us to live in and enjoy the spectuclarness ...thank YOU...

Yesterday was my late husband's birthday as well...many memories of past years, things we did, places we travelled..

And I am packing and moving with many decisions to make along the way...utilities to change, business packing, personal packing, people to see, doctors to change, things to do...tests and challenges...I have to watch my attitude of regrets and attitudes...and consider it a joyful opportunity...I had thought those thoughts this week and then this devotional was so timely....
I have God's presence, His Spirit to calm, comfort, to help...

I kept thinking about the big picture earlier and then the author reiterated it again ...I so love how God knows our every thought and speaks comfort into our heart through his Word, through life, other people...thank YOU again...

"Hi - I'm reading "The Jesus Always 52-Week Discussion Guide" by Sarah Young and wanted to share this quote with you.

"August 23
WHEN TESTS AND CHALLENGES come at you from all sides, consider it a joyful opportunity. Don’t waste energy regretting the way things are or wishing you could go back to yesterday. Remember that I am sovereign, powerful, and loving; moreover, I am with you to help. Instead of being overwhelmed by all the difficulties, grasp My hand with confident trust. Though you are insufficient to handle your troubles by yourself, you and I together can handle anything! If you view your circumstances from this big-picture perspective, you can be joyful even in the midst of your struggles. You have not only My Presence with you but My Spirit within you. He is always ready to help; seek His assistance as often as you need. One of the hardest parts of dealing with multiple trials is waiting for their resolution. Since patience is part of the Spirit’s fruit, He can help you endure the waiting. Don’t try to get out of hard times prematurely. Instead, persevere patiently, knowing that perseverance must finish its work—making you mature and complete."


"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.—JAMES 1: 2 MSG

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.—GALATIANS 5: 22–23

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.—ROMANS 12: 12

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.—JAMES 1: 4""