When it rains, it pours-for me literally

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience, have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Philippians 4: 4 - 6 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Since December, I have felt as if the trials keep on entering my life. December was filled with joy, sickness, and sorrow. My family was overjoyed with the birth of my niece, and on the same day filled with sorrow from the passing of my grandmother. The day after her funeral, it rained in my house. Well, it wasn't really rain- a water pipe broke. The water damaged a few rooms in our house, but by the middle of January, most of the damage had been fixed. In December, most of my family also battled either a cold or the stomach bug.

In January, we batted the stomach bug again, and it rained in our house again. The same water pipe broke. Fortunately, the damage was not as bad, but of course everything needs to be repainted again.

In February, it seems as if the family has been battling strep throat.

During the midst of these events, there were times where we just felt defeated. But the verses above kept running through my mind. One day I just broke down during my prayer time with the Lord, and asked Him what I needed to do. He answered pray. It is hard to find the joy in trials, but I know that the Lord is always there to be my strength.

I just wanted to share my struggles over the past few months. That is the reason that I have not always found the time to write posts and share deals with you, my readers. I want to thank all of my followers for sticking with me. This week, I have been on a week vacation, and as a result I have been able to post more often. Hopefully in the weeks to come, the trials will lessen and I pray for a healthier family.