Consider it Pure Joy!

We attended a new bible study last night at our church with some incredible friends and one awesome pastor. We are going to be studying James...what a book! Pastor focused on the verses 2-3 last night....all about testing. When has your faith been tested? Why were you tested? Did your faith become stronger or weaker? Do you find joy in the testing?

James 1: 2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

Joy in testing? Wow. But, the more we talked about the verses and made them our own, I do believe that with trials and testing, we grow closer to the Lord and my faith grows stronger....this is the joy! I could think of so many instances last night where trials have brought me SO much pain and SO much joy. Going through them I'll admit is anything but joy, but joy has come after. I may not be 'happy' so to say about the conclusion, but it is with JOY that I am drawn closer to the Lord. Bring on the trials Lord. I know you have me right where you want me to be and I'm content. 

My hubby is traveling to Mississippi again next week for work and I thought, "Let's go! Why not?" Normally he flies, but we will be driving so that Collins and I have a car during the day. We're packing our swimsuits for the pool (yippee), first birthday crafts that I need to keep working on, my women's bible study lesson that I will be missing on Wednesday, and lots of toys for Collins! I've never been in a hotel room with him for 3 days, so we are hoping for the best! :)...and I'm not quite sure how I'm going to get my runs in, but that's ok!  Trent mentioned last night how excited he was that we would be with him this week and I am too. Man, do I miss him when he's gone.

So, off to Elvis' birthplace we go and I am so thankful for this opportunity for more time together!

Here are some recent pics of my almost one year old! tear.....

My veggie lover!

SO happy. Full belly!

So thankful for warm days!

Mom, I'll take care of the laundry!

 Tried a new recipe on Pinterest!! All it is is crescent rolls, peanut butter, and chocolate chips!! I baked them at 350 until the rolls looked ready! Simple and super yummy!

We are going out to eat tonight with friends and babies! There are maybe 12 of us going? We've never done this before so it should be hilarious. Normally the ladies go out to eat, but now we are adding hubbies and kiddos! So fun!

Have a great weekend!

Maegan