God leads His Dear Children Along is a beautiful song by Selah that begins,

"In shady green pastures so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along.

Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet, God leads his dear children along."

To hear the whole song, here is a link:

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”   --James 1:2-4, The Message BibleAmicable: Adjective, (Of relations between people) having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement or rancor.

Faith is not just a noun. It is also a verb.

Marci writes:
I am participating in an online Zoom bible study. We are going over the book of James and taking it apart and putting it back together. We are in the process of going on a “spiritual archeological dig.” For now, the only tools we are using are a Bible with the book of James. I remember back in Catholic grade school, that my mom was a Sunday school teacher. The title of the book she was using at that time was “My Way to God.”

In the book of James, we are finding out that even though trials will and do come in life, God wants us to thrive, even in what may seem like a difficult time. Trials have a way of developing, sifting, and sorting through our faith. So far, we have found out that the book of James is a guide and a handbook in constructing one’s faith. Hard times and trials fall on everyone in life. It is in how a person deals with the hardships that will determine the outcome.  And sometimes the outcome is not how we wanted, preferred, or thought it would look like.

Lately, my life has been an emotional rollercoaster ride. My parents moved out of their retirement home, and into a cottage that is within walking distance of us. My brother came up that weekend to help them move. They have been at the retirement home for seven years, so this was a big deal. The moving went relatively smoothly, and it was nice to see my Arizona brother for two days at least. All too soon the weekend with him ended, and he flew back home.

I found out before my brother arrived that the house I had lived in for many years in another state--before my divorce--had been sold. That was a big surprise, with many emotions wrapped up in them... I feel like in sorting through emotions and what all has gone on, that I am going on a “divorce digging,” seeking out the answers to some unanswered questions.  Like the Bible study, packing the right items can be of help, such as keeping an open mind and working with the element of time. I know some of my questions may remain unanswered. That will have to be ok.

Some of the items in packing for an archeological event include gloves, tape, kneeling pads, a mechanical pencil, a ruler, a small notebook, foldback clips, large Ziploc bags, a water bottle, a small rucksack or shoulder bag, compass, camera, and a spare memory card.
Also, one cannot forget the proper clothing and travel preparations, necessary vaccinations, and passport as well. Also, I must not forget a flashlight and other personal items. I have never been on an archeological dig. It is interesting to delve into biblical books and relevant topics. The information one can receive is immensely helpful in how to live a Christian life.

There was a whole learning curve in going through the divorce. I had a lot of mixed feelings. Slowly, but steadily, I am rebuilding my future. I am working at a job that I love doing. Sometimes one cannot understand the effects of things until the dust has cleared, and only then can see and understand the new and different knowledge in life. Sometimes, divorce is the only one and healthy option.
I love that my parents’ new place is within walking distance. My sister still will not allow a cat. All things considered, life is more on an even road instead of it being tumultuous and treacherous.
I remain at peace with the new course my life path has taken, and even grateful for the lessons learned in divorce. Sometimes, it can feel like life is being dismantled piece by piece and brick by brick. However, with the master builder tenderly guiding you through the process, things begin to slowly rebuild. Life does offer hope, but one must be willing to take from it. It is the journey that is the destination.

Words of Hope from a Fellow Digger and Excavator,

Marci

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