FABreview: Count it all Joy!

I am absolutely loving this California December we have been having! These pics were obviously taken a few months ago when I styled one of my favorite summer dresses for the colder weather (which hasn't arrived yet, and I'm not complaining).

It's amazing how easy it is to be joyful when the temps are milder, things are going exactly how we planned, and life is good, isn't it? Being joyful in all things is definitely not easy. I failed that test big time when my suitcase went missing(it's still lost by the way) at Newark Airport upon returning from our trip to California last month. I wasted many precious hours of my life arguing with the airline and getting absolutely nowhere, my missing suitcase was consuming my every thought and starting to rent space in my head, so I finally surrendered it all to God in order to move on from it,. Sure this whole incident was extremely disappointing, but it's not life or death, and I will replace most of my things at some point, but did I handle the situation with joy? Not really. Lesson learned.

James 1: 2-3 says, Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. Verse 5 continues with this; If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. The beautiful thing about God, is that he gives us grace to draw a line in the sand and start over each and every day.

This is the season for Joy, but I also recognize that this time of year can also be very difficult for many, some of you may be going through trials right now where you feel like your faith is really being tested, but count it all joy, because He will never leave you or forsake you, and His light will always shine through the darkness.

For us a child is born,

to us, a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Wishing all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and joy!