As many of you know, the last several months have been quite challenging, to say the least. I've been separated from my wife for over two months, have had a home foreclosed on and lost many personal items, and my mother recently passed on. In the natural, that could look to many to be quite a bleak situation. If it were two or three years ago and I was going through these various trials, I'm not sure what I would be saying or doing. It probably wouldn't be good.
I have quoted the following verse before:
James 1:2-4 (New King James Version)
Profiting from Trials
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
This is also very fitting:
Romans 5:1-5 (New International Version)
Peace and Joy
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
And then there is this verse, which happens to be on a plaque on my wall. When I bought it to hang in my apartment over a year ago, I thought it was neat. Never did I imagine it would have so much more meaning.
James 1:12 (New International Version)
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Just the other day, as I was driving and listening to a little worship music and worshiping, I started thanking the Lord for all of these crazy things happening in my life. To most, that would probably seem a bit crazy. I know the Lord has a perfect plan for my life and it is a good one. I am being refined. The Lord has shown me much and put a smile back on my face. I don't care about the material things that I've lost. He's lightening my load. Mama isn't suffering anymore. I'm not sure if my wife and I will be together. I'm not trying to fix that anymore. I am stepping back and allowing God to do whatever His will is in me. I'm just along for the ride and doing the practical things that are in my control.
Thank you, Lord for giving me the peace, grace, and strength that I need to press on with a smile on my face. Everything is alright and will be fine.
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CrackerJackPat
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Jul 9 @ 9:53AM
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Keep on Keeping on MT.....
One short one I can quickly call upon is "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."
I appreciated the verses you shared in your blog.
"All good things come to he who waits on the Lord." (one of these days I'll be able to pull the references off the top of my head as well.)
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Cynbaby
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Jul 9 @ 9:58AM
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I'm sending good thoughts your way
"Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger" I know its a cliche, but It's helped me become a stronger person during trying times and realize I can get through most any obstacle thrown in my way.
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fenderchick
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Jul 9 @ 10:23AM
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missliss78
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Jul 9 @ 11:06AM
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Metry, I am always happy to find your blogs & read about how things are going for you. I know that you will continue to persevere & rejoice in your Lord.....and as always, I wish you only the best.
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capobeachguy
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Jul 9 @ 11:26AM
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It seems that every life has trials; I'm happy to see that you are persevering through yours so well. I'm quite certain that you are inspiring many others, my brother.
You may be the only one to understand and appreciate this: Fight On!!! 
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MrPaul
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Jul 9 @ 11:34AM
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 You can do it. Press on thru the race of life. God has a plan for you 
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sweet5red
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Jul 9 @ 11:37AM
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exactly what they said..  Sweet N Louisiana
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travelwoman
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Jul 9 @ 1:24PM
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There is also that passage in the Bible where it urges you to be content, whether you have "nothing" or a lot....
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MetryTechie
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Jul 9 @ 1:29PM
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Thanks travelwoman. I just had to look....
Philippians 4:12 (New International Version)
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
That is an awesome scripture.
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beckyiv42000
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Jul 9 @ 3:27PM
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Being in control of yourself is half the battle hon... and it seems you are now 
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joygirl4u
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Jul 9 @ 4:50PM
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Patience is one of the greatest lessons that our Father teaches us... Usually we are constantly learning (meaning there is always some more to learn)...
Understanding is one of the biggest challenges of our relationship with Him, we always want to know "Why?"... not realizing that he only allows us to know just what we can understand... just enough light for the step we're on His words to help up with that:
Philippians 1:6
And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
But most of all... remember that he will never allow us to be tested beyond our capability.
Soon you will be like Job... I deeply admire you!!!
Hugs and blessings
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SpiritEnergy
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Jul 9 @ 5:33PM
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There ya go! I knew you would get there. Sometimes we pick people and situations that will eventually test us. One thing you can do is (at a soul level and not to your wife's face, remember) thank her for providing the test for you, that you have so admirably passed. It does strengthen us.
Thank all those at a soul level, that have been tests for you/us and you will feel the peace move in, in greater depth and breadth, because THEIR souls will feel it and be grateful. Remember that each of us IS a powerful being of light having a human experience and when we do leave the body, we will regain our brilliance.
However, until each of us thanks those souls that provide that moment of growth, their souls will feel tarnished and dark due to the pain they have caused us. When we thank them (at a soul level, remember and not to their faces...unless they can handle that) and forgive them for their seeming roles or parts in our pain/growth, they become lighter and freer. Until they receive that from us, they will be scarred moreso than we are.
We will all look back at how much we have changed thru the trials and tribulations. Each time another is brought to us, we will respond better and better until we naturally respond to all things in the most awesome and balanced ways. Love you, Metry. You beautiful and powerful Being of Light!
SE 
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kattsmeow
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Jul 9 @ 6:29PM
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It is hard to lay this at the cross and let God do it. Some times we think we can do it faster huh?
You are a blessing to the rest of us!!!
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WSOR
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Jul 9 @ 6:52PM
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Yes indeed Metry, you ARE a blessing to so many. Your rock solid faith is an inspiration to so many on here.  I'd like to add Ecclesiastes 3: 1-15 as a terrific scripture that I consider to be one of my life-line scripture verses, on how "there is an appointed time for everything". Hang in there my friend & keep the faith *brotherly HUG*
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hpylady1
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Jul 10 @ 12:07AM
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You are right ... what a year .. your faith and strength refreshes me ...sometimes situations over whelm me .. but only for a short time ..
Jesus said, men ought always to pray and not faint. That word faint means don’t quit, or don’t give up. It means don’t give up in prayer and don’t give up about that which you have prayed. How many times have we prayed about a situation and then the next breath gave up on the person or the need?
WHEN YOU'VE DONE ALL YOU CAN TO STAND, THEN JUST STAND.
People say I’ve done everything I know to do. Then just stand, be still and let Father be Father.
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kywonder
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Sep 6 @ 12:20AM
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Remember Metry, God understands separation. Look how many times His children separate themselves from Him. His is much greater than ours because He has the whole world to think of.
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