There is no doubt that there are lots of things that happen in our life that are hard to understand and deal with.  Christ has never promised us a life without tribulations, but in HIM life is still good  even in the midst of tribulations.  This morning I'm:
1)    Praying for Mona Refern as she will hve her operation this afternoon.  Mona is one of the most wonderful Christian women I have had the pleasure of knowing.  Mona and her husband Pascal are my best friends.  I also love their 9 children - Samual, Serina, Abby, Anna, Elizabeth, Saul, Alex, Ethan, and Elija.
2.)  My father has alzhiemers and seems to be going down hill fast.  I think of all the great trips we've taken together.
3)   Today is Kaycee's 7th birthday and she cheered me up when I talked to her a little while ago.  She is a real blessing from God, as are the other 5 grand nieces I have.
4)  My mother is going to the doctor this morning.  She has been real dizzy lately and is worn out taking care of my dad.
5)  I'm finding it hard that Churches are always having divisions.  I find it hard to deal with people I have worshipped with for years leaving, the congregation to seek the "perfect" Church.  News bulletin - there is no earthly perfect Church.
6)  I am still very heart-broken over the death of my dog (and Kaycee's dog too)  - Barkley.  I have Lisa's cat Spivey, but there is no better friend than a dog.
7)  I find it hard to deal with my past sins - especially as there are people that will remind you of them.  I know God forgives, because I truly repented, but some people don't.
8)  I like debate, but find it so hard that others don't see things the way I do - especially the importance of Baptism and to understand, or even take the time to study preterism - It wears you out, but at the same time it keeps you studying and learning even more.
9)  I'm very sad at how divided our country is and the direction it seems to be taking.

HOWEVER,

1)  I rejoice that even though Mona is facing a cancer operation she is a Christian that places her life in Christ's loving hands.
2)  I rejoice that Mona has such a large loving family to support her.
3)  I rejoice at how well Andy & Kelly are raising Kaycee and Haylee.
4)  I rejoice that Dad and I did have so many great trips together.
5)  I rejoice at new Christian friends I have made, even though we disagree on many things.
6)  I rejoice that I have been resurrcted with Christ to be Born Again in Baptism.
7)  I rejoice that Christ is the King of HIS Kingdom (the Church) and that though members of local congregations are so often divided over doctrines, person matters, and etc. we are all One in The Body of Christ.
8)  I am greatful that as Paul was a chief among sinners that I as a Principal Offender am forgivne even as Paul was.
9)  I'm greatful for having such wonder parents in Christ.

Yes, LIFE IS GOOD, if we really think about it and pause in this busy life to MUSE.