Opening

I am sorry if I've done each of you a disservice. When I try to look at my blog through a reader's eyes, I see a cute a family that does fun things and has it all together. Please don't be fooled by the few snapshots you have of our lives.

At Sunday School yesterday we had a great discussion and referenced many verses (if you are in my class, you know "many" is very accurate!) on Why Bad Things Happen To Good People. I love to tell our story and always appreciate contributing my thoughts on this subject. I want to share a few things I believe:

* God doesn't categorize us as bad or good people. In Isaiah he talks about His ways are higher than our ways. We can't compartmentalize God and consume ourselves with trying to figure everything out.

* Tough times bless us more than we realize. My marriage is stronger because we've been through a fire. At at make-or-break point, its up to the individual who they will place their trust in.

* We can use hard time to minister to others. As a Christian, everything I say and do is a reflection of Christ's presence in my heart. In 2 Corinthians, we are commanded to comfort others. That can be a simple note, a meal, gift card, flowers, charity donations or a phone call.

* God is still God no matter what we are going through. I remember one of the first times we returned to church after Evie died and the congregation sang "God is Good All the Time". Wes and I couldn't sing it. Today we can.

If you haven't been through a tough trial, don't think you are immune because you are good. Jesus instructs us in John to not be surprised by the trails we are facing. Only Jesus can overcome.

Okay, now for some pictures with lots of smiling faces!