Looking outside at clouds and a bit of rain – just enough to spot the cars and make them need washing.  Not enough to make a difference in the garden, which will need more watering via irrigation.

Down to just about three or four hummingbirds, now.  These are the ones that will stay with us through the winter.  As it gets much colder I trust that I will be able to keep the feeders fresh and unfrozen. 

All the cats are now coming into the house and finding multiple places to sleep.  Even Abbey who loves it outside is coming inside now.  As soon as I can figure out why I can’t get some photos off my camera’s memory card I will post a couple of them.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

² By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also

The first two verses are easy for us, we have peace, we have access by faith and we rejoice in the glory of God.

It is the last three verses that make the difference in a Christian that wants to make a difference in the world around him.

Paul was not speaking from high Ivory Tower.  He was speaking from experience; his trials and tribulations are well documented.  Yet, he continued to preach Christ, to help others understand the need to not only accept Him, but follow Him.

Paul was an example of what he preached; he was the genuine article and deserves our respect and his examples are to be followed by us. 

Our decision to follow Christ is a lifelong commitment.  It is not a magic key to solve all of our problems; it is a lifestyle and a relationship with God that helps us deal with all of our problems. 

It is a belief that no matter what befalls us, or where we are, God is with us and wants only the best for us.

When we, or a loved one, are ill or involved in a life threatening accident it is often difficult to accept that God will make something good out of our suffering, but He does.  It may take years for us to have an inkling of what it was, and sometimes we may never find out until we are with Him – but, nothing God allows to happen in our lives is for naught.

I struggle to glory in tribulations, but I do know that somehow He will use my struggles to make me a stronger Christian and to help others come to Him.

Later, Art :-)