Sweet trials

          I'm learning what Paul ment when he said to rejoice through our trials. It's not that I like them *sigh* noooooo... But there is a sweetness that can be found during hardships. There is a grace from the Lord and a need for Him unlike any other time. I'm a bit sheepish to admit this, although I'm sure it's normal, but I pray far more when things are tough. I need the Lord. When everything is tickity-boo we can almost take Him for granted. Forget what aweful sinners we are in need of a Savior. Forget how much we need Him. Life just takes over... Now, during times that are more difficult I find myself pulling closer to the Lord, needing to hear from Him, to just spend time and recieve peace... Not that it makes hard times go away, but it sure makes them sweeter to endure.

There's also a time for thankfulness. Really, compared to what others deal with, this trial of Larry's sickness my seem like peanuts to them. In my little world, it's a bit deal. I'm learning to leave the future in the Lord's hands. We don't know when his health will return and he can go back to work again, perhaps next week, perhaps.... who knows when. But I know I have a God who loves me, and will give us the strength to overcome what ever changes we have to make. I'm learning to cook new foods (quinoa is tasty!). I'm learning to juggle a few more things and let go of others. I'm learning to work harder, something I've been trying to motivate myself to do, but it's just one of those gifts that seem to be learned best under pressure. I need to learn these things. And so, we will count the jewels we are finding in this storm, and rejoice over them. Because, at least in my life, these kinds of jewels are only found through trials. I always pray that the Lord will not let me go through hard times uselessly, at least let me grow through them!

So these are my thoughts lately. Trying to keep my eyes on the Lord. Wait on the Lord. Seek His direction for our next step. Pray He will give us clarity!!

Larry's actually feeling decent today too! Which is always exciting! He had about ten good days, then 4-5 bad days. I almost brough him back up to the hosptial, but they just tell us the same thing over and over... wait for the scope, can't get in any sooner...  So we pray, I try to strengthen his body with better foods and the rest is in God's hands I guess. He lost another 3 lbs this week... Hopefully next week he'll gain!

I hope you all are doing well! I'm always looking for more recipes for healthy foods, so if you have a favorite, email it to me!!