Good Morning Girls!  When I last wrote, I talked about how I was tempted to throw myself a pity party.  Thankfully, I remembered that the only ones who show up to my pity parties are me and the devil.  Do you know why that is?  It is because I have surrounded myself with friends who know and believe in God's Word.  If I were to call them up and invite them to a pity party, they would kindly decline the invite.  Instead, they would show their support by listening and reminding me of the promises God has for our lives.  They would not condemn me for whining a little.  They would however call me out if I moved from a little emotional venting into all out grumbling and words that are contrary to the Word.  They do not tolerate self loathing words.  They do not accept words of defeat.  They will not entertain the words of a quitter.  They will however tell me they love me.  They will remind me of times I have dealt with much bigger things.  They will tell me they are here for me 100%.  They will offer help.  They will try to problem solve (if I want them to).  That is what real friends do.  The role of your support network is not to respond with "oh, poor Jen, will you ever get a break?  I am so sorry that you have such a rough situation.  I don't know how you can deal with it.  I don't think I could handle that.  You shouldn't have to put up with that.  That's just too much."  Wow, that's helpful.  You guys are right up there with Job's friends.  Next to you want to tell me it's actually my fault?  The Word tells us to encourage each other, and lift each other up.  Next time you get an invite to a pity party, please RSVP your regrets.  Instead, offer them a Word of encouragement and help them get back on track.  

Proverbs 12:25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Love you all-
Jen