Mission Trip Day 1

Just finished devotions with the group. I have been journalling on my
expectations of of the week. Im not nervous about the week, but
excited. There may be challenges, but I feel really at peace about
the whole weekend. We just talked about James 1:2-4
[Jas 1:2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials
of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith
develops perseverance. [4] Perseverance must finish its work so that
you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Some observations from my journal book: Pure Joy --> contented -->
when we face trials--> develops perseverence --> dont quit becase the
trail is temporary --> You become mature and complete from the
perseverence --> and what is mature? To be able to not let your
emotions get the best of you. This will allow you to listen to what
God is telling you to guide you through the trial. I have been doing
that through this courtship with Mary.

What I mean is that she is great, and I cant picture my life without
her, but there have been things along the way with learning about
her. Mainly her kids, but as the two of us have said, love is a
choice. So to persevere through the things that make me nervous or
fear and still listen to God through the din that I try to
superimpose on my life and drown out God has been an experience. I
feel as if I could handle nothing, as long as Christ is with me.