It was the best of times, It was the worst of times...

I remember having to read a Tale of Two Cities my Senior year in High School, though right now I could not tell you anything about the book except for the infamous opening line because I HATED that book and could hardly get past the first page and probably read cliff notes to pass a test.  *Sorry you English Lit lovers... Im sure you are saying, "What! that is a Classic!"~ All that to say, that the opening statement might be my answer to anyone who ask's me in the future about our Seminary Days~

Seminary life that we have known for the past four years can definitely be summarized in that It has been the best of times while it has also been the worst of times.  And I can hardly believe that in only three more weeks Richard will no longer be a Seminary Student!  We are so excited and can not wait to see what God has for us next!

It has been the best of times because God has grown us so much in our Faith and our Walk with Him.  We have been so thankful for the Body of Christ that He has placed around us to do this season of Life with to sharpen us~ it has been such a sweet time to have friends that totally get us and our call to ministry and are now going out too all across the globe!!  We have also just grown so much in seeing God provide everything  we have needed~ some days it came down to the day I ran out of diapers or milk but that day God had some $$ sitting in the mail box!!!  He has been so Faithful!!

It has definitely been the "Best of Times" with the miraculous births of our Children; If you don't know our story you can go back to my blog "Don't Drink the Water!"  ~ In short story:  We struggled through five years of infertility~ But God has shown that HE is the giver of Life and He blessed us beyond our imagination!!

But I also have to tell you it has been the 'Darkest of Time', I don't know what God is preparing us for, but for something... and the Evil one has been on the prowl as the Bible says~ seeking to destroy!  We have had some tough situations along the way and we are currently walking through one of the darkest times while we watch our Caroline Joy struggle through a seizure disorder; having had 8 seizures now almost within a year.  Her last one just being a few weeks ago lasting 40min.  Its something that is so out of our control and we have no idea when its going to happen or why it happens.  And just being completely honest... Satan hits you in the jugular when he messes with your child!  It has brought deep dark struggles within my soul, I have begged God to heal her, we have had her prayed over... I have been angry with Him, asking "where are you God, are you still good??"   And He gently pulls me close and lets me know He is Here... He loves my sweet Girl more than I could ever... This is for His Glory!!

If you find yourself asking these questions as well, don't allow the devil to keep whispering lies into your ear but break open the word~ start with Romans Ch 8 its filled with so much meat!!  These sufferings are nothing compared to the GLORY that will be revealed, ALL things work together for good of those who love God, NOTHING can separate us from the LOVE of God!!  And I have truly enjoyed studying the book of John in this season and vs 16: 33 has given me so much encouragement and hope lately,  keeping it all in perspective that the big picture has nothing to do with me but everything to do with God.  I can not get caught up in some kind of prosperity gospel thinking I deserve a good life with no trials because we have given it all up, we suffered through seminary, we have given our lives to serve the Lord. Our Life should have no troubles right? NO! You WILL have suffering in this World!  but be Courageous!!!!! For HE has conquered the world!!  We know the end of the Story, Satan is defeated!  I have Ten Thousand reasons to say Bless the Lord!!

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find