Think on these things ...

Whatever is true,



whatever is noble,



whatever is right,



whatever is pure,




whatever is lovely,



whatever is admirable—




if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.



Phil 4:8











This has not been a good week or so for me.

Not only I am I dealing with an incredibly inefficient beurocratic organisation and getting nowhere fast, but I have had a few things happen last week that were both unexpected and emotionally draining.

Finding joy right now is tough.

So today, as I blog, I am purposefully finding joy.

God never promised an easy life, in fact he promised trials, ... trials to build strength and character. In James (1: 2-4) we are told "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I don't want the trials. The child in me just wants things to go my own way. All the time.
But mature and complete in my faith - yeah - I want that. And I have a long way to go. So the trials come, and you know, I will get through them, and one day - maybe not till I am in paradise where there is NO pain,but ONE day, I will look back and see how this is part of the plan the Lord has for me.

....

In other words, as my wise Gran said - "Everything happens for a reason"

So right now - while I face trials, and while I struggle and grieve for a season, I am choosing JOY.

Everywhere I look in my home I see JOY .... and that is what I am believing in today

PS - aren't these roses incredible! I bought them as a must cheer myself up gift.
And if anyone finds a bush that grows them I will have 1 please!!!

Trying to find a doily for the vase made me miss my sweet gran a little bit ... I was so looking for a larger one ... I wish she was still around to make me one ...

But it gave me joy to use something beautiful she had made in love just for ME!