Good Morning Girls!  The bible is filled with examples of great men and women of faith.  My pre schooler can even tell of David's faith against the giant, Daniel's faith against the lions, and Rack, Shack, and Benny's (the VeggieTales version) faith while being thrown in the fire.  We are given endless account of deliverance, healing, and victory by faith.  Why does the Word spend so much time speaking of the trials of people that happened thousands of years ago?  To encourage us! Faith is the very basis of our walk with the Lord.  It is by faith that we believe we are born again.  It is by faith that we are healed.  It is by faith that we receive favor and blessing.  It is by faith that we can accept Gods grace.  The accounts in the bible are no doubt awesome.  I love to read them again and again.  However, more often than not, I draw on the people in my life as great examples of faith.  I can more often identify my struggles with someone I know.  I mean, whens the last time your friend text you and said "sos. in belly whale. need help. no LOL".  It's probably not going to happen.  However, I do think of my friend who I watched go through cancer surgery and chemo with her 1 year old, and draw all her strength from the Lord, never once blaming him.  I do think of my friend, who lost her husband in Iraq, who loves the Lord with all her heart and looks to Him to help her raise her 2 kids on her own.  I do think of my friend who was told while pregnant with her 1st child that she should have it aborted because if she even survived pregnancy, she would never survive birth, but if she did survive birth, she would have a multitude of complications.  She now has a beautiful 6 year old in kindergarten.  I think of my friends who struggle with finances, addictions, and illness.  I think of the less serious, but still significant examples like my friend who just finished her 1st duathon, or another who just did the 3 days walk for the cure.  I think of my friend who gave up her favorite food out of faith in the Lord.  I think of my friend who quit smoking.  My friend who started working out.  My friend who never gives up. My friend who always has an encouraging word for others.  Wow, when I read over this, I realize I have some pretty awesome friends in Christ, and I am in tears.  I know all of you believe that God will make good out of these trials you endured in faith.  I can tell you girls, one of the blessings of your faith is that you are in fact an encouragement to those around you!  If their was a updated version of the bible, you would be listed in the book of Hebrews chapter 11 with all of the others great examples of faith.  When you are suffering and struggling, look to those around you who have endured and be encouraged.  Know also that your example of faith will bring new life to someone else when they are struggling.  I love you all you mighty woman of faith!!!!!!!!!!

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8  So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering dear brothers and sister, because you have remained strong in your faith.  It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord

Love you all-
Jen