Friday Again

Funny, no matter what I do, we always end up having a Friday every week. It always seems to follow Thursday and precede Saturday. It's usually a day of wrapping things up, usually a little bit of overwhelming stress from the rest of the week, and sometimes a glimmer of hope. Hope that the weekend will justify the week we just went through. It's supposed to rain this weekend, but I think it will be a good one just the same. We are expecting rain, but it's February in Houston, TX, so what else is new? The temperature is still decent - 60's and 70's so we're not freezing or burning up.

If you have a minute today, check out this blog. It's one Melissa frequents, and today's post is amazing. WARNING: if you are prone to crying at sad stories, grab a couple tissues before reading. It's a really good way to put things in perspective. In fact, go read it now, and then finish reading this post. Do it! I'm not kidding, go read it now.

This story brings to mind something I've been thinking about for a couple years really, and it's the topic of Joy. That word always makes me think of this verse: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4) That is so difficult to do! I have so many thoughts on this that I don't even know where to start, so I'll try to organize this as well as possible. Let me give you a definition of joy: the emotion of great happiness. Let me take it a step further. True joy is something that comes from having the Spirit of God inside you. Remember the Fruits of the Spirit? Love, JOY, Peace... It must be an important one, too, cuz it's the second one listed. Joy is different from happiness, I think, because happiness tends to depend on our circumstances. You wouldn't necessarily be happy if you got stuck in jail, but the apostle Paul always managed to be joyful when he was stuck in prison. Check out this verse from 1 Peter: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Amazing! Be happy in times of trials! To take it another step forward, if we are called to be joyful in times of trial, how much more should we be filled with that same joy when things are good? Pray that God would fill you with His joy, and watch what happens. "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22)

In other news, we are only 35.5 days away from Melissa's due date!! 5 weeks left! Crazy. Technically, I've been told that once we reach the 4 week mark, it could happen at any time. Apparently 36 weeks is a full term. For any of y'all hoping she'll come early (ahem, MOM, BETHANY), you may get your wish. We still have a couple things to do, but I'm confident we'll be able to finish them. By the way, I am still trying to sell our Explorer, so if you know anyone that wants/needs a car, tell 'em to give me a call or shoot me an email. I've got bunches of pictures, and we're selling it cheap, we just need it GONE. (sigh) It's been a long week, but like I said, I think this weekend will be a good one. There's a gun show in town that I might go to - those never seem to get old. Melissa and Lynne are going to see some documentary in Louisiana this weekend, so I hope they have fun. That's all for now. Later.

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