We had such a wonderful Sermon today. We’re studying the book of James and I really like how no-nonsense and straight forward it is. It’s not always the most comfortable to read, but it also reminds us that when we face stress or frustration of any kind, it can be used to help us grow and mature in our faith. We get bored and lose our way when we aren’t put under fire sometimes. We also know that God very often puts us in the same situations over and over until we change our response to it. That’s how we learn.

It’s funny because everytime I get over something that’s bothering me, I actually really like myself a little bit more, and I trust myself more with my reactions, because I handle it differently than I usually would. That’s growth. Sometimes growth is just completely stepping away from a situation and ignoring it. It’s not always about fixing something. And I don’t think people realize that when you’re God’s child, they can’t really hurt you. You might get mad for a minute, but your self worth isn’t questionable or negotiable. My self worth is based on the fact that I belong to the King. It has nothing to do with me or anything that I do or don’t do; it’s because of HIM. None of us are worthy of his amazing love or his mercy and grace. 🤍 So yeah, this was just the message I needed to start this new week!

Also, in other good news, Gary starts his new job tomorrow and I’m so excited for him. He’s going to be home so much now, and that is priceless. 🙏🏼

We sat in our rocking chairs out front last night watching the lightning and Gary said (as verbatim as I can repeat it):

“Do you realize how everything we wanted and have prayed for has come to fruition? Down to these very rocking chairs on this front porch. Us being close to the ocean but out in the country, and having a job that could provide the kids to be in good schools. It’s unreal how he put us here and we didn’t even know we needed to be here. We were trying to build a life where he didn’t want us, and look how much better his plan was than ours.”

Yes. I do. I realize that his plan is ALWAYS better than our own. That’s what faith is all about. Trusting that his plan is greater, even though it may be a longer path.

Thank you Lord for loving us fully and continue to help us to face any challenges you might put ahead of us in the coming days. I pray you use them to strengthen our weak spots and expose the parts of us that need healing.

Amen.