# 50 Trials

Some say we are living in trying times, maybe we are. 

Men and women who are never tested never find out where their comfort zone ends, 

 or what they may be capable of. 

Trials make us think, they make us look at ourselves and what we really believe. 

They make us do things we would never do with out some good reason. During my period of illness I realized  we (Judy and I) could do a lot of things if we had to. I also realized how strong my faith really was. I guess like gold, God heated me up so he could get rid of some of the impurities.

We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.

Henry Ward Beecher

1 Peter 1
6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Although you have not seen  him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

# 49 Wants

What is it you want?

We always seem to want just a little bit more... My parents were a great example of taking control over your wants, and just tending to your needs. I hope that I can someday follow their example. I have spent years gathering STUFF. I have a hard time letting go...I may NEED it someday, and when I do I may even be able to find it! maybe.... Today a new friend gave me a piece of equipment that I think I can use.

 He has not trouble letting go!

Our necessities never equal our wants.

Benjamin Franklin

Psalm 23

 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

# 48 Initiative

What does it mean to take the initiative? 

We all have hopes, dreams, plans, and new year resolutions.

What gets you moving? What KEEPS you moving?

 I met a man this past week who is quite pilot. He has set several aviation records. I took some time to read up on him, and found out he never finished high school. But he loved to fly. He found out later in life, that you can not quit every time things get hard. He took the initiative to learn flying and continue to learn. From listening to him for a while he is still learning, and teaching!

Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.

Victor Hugo

Psalm 62:12

and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.

# 47 Integrety

Do what you say you will do. 

It sounds pretty easy but we all know it is not that easy. 

Having integrity is so important today more than ever. I have heard it explained this way.

  Integrity is what you do when no one is looking.

When I was young we were told to "let your conscience be your guide" counting on the 

internal compass we all have of what is right and wrong.

I think many folks today need to have that compass re-calculated.

How about you?

Does your YES mean YES?

The time you spend alone with God will transform your character and increase your devotion. Then your integrity and godly behavior in an unbelieving world will make others long to know the Lord.

Charles Stanley

Mathew 5
 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.