Praise Report: Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.

#BeThankful #BeThankful #BeThankful 

Our extended family's current times of stress and trial have helped me grow. 

Quite frankly. There's been no option. 

Whether you subscribe to the bumper sticker wisdom of: 

a.) Put on your big-girl panties  

b.) Suck-it-up buttercup 

or

c.) Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional

The fact of the matter is...... Life-on-Earth has challenges.

Periodically those challenges are both unthinkable and enormous.

Make your favorite quote into an image at Recite.

• Whatcha gonna do when the chips are down? 
• How do you handle bad news, challenges and heart ache?
• Where do you turn when your whole world crumbles? 
• What gives you strength when you're beyond exhausted?
• How do you handle seeing those you care about in pain? 
• How do you keep hope alive in the absolute darkness?
• What techniques do you have to stare down the fear?  

This week in my inbox I received my daily devotional and scripture lesson from Joyce Meyer via YouVersion. She wrote about suffering and quoted 1 Thessalonians. Her message arrived with perfect timing for my heart. Here's a portion of her devotional. {That's what led me to make the first image above at Canva.} 

Each new day hour minute gives us the opportunity to learn, grow, stretch and respond as we witness life's inequities and sorrow. The way that we grapple with our current set of circumstances tells the world about both our faith and our foundation. How do we respond? The world is watching.

Over the course of 2015 I have learned more about my ability to 'compartmentalize' my experiences. I've learned that I can carry on with my mission of sharing joy -- even when I am totally and completely bereft of that feeling myself. Good to know. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Manufacture joy. 

I've learned that I can be focused on the absolute moment at hand and manufacture a sense of peace from peering into long eyelashes, from absorbing the majesty of a sunset, from tapping into the enthusiasm of others.... despite the 'bigger picture and the many unknowns.'  

Announcing my Presidential Race in MD!

This past week was the first ever of seeing our tribe in three different states! MD, OH and CO! It can be done! Labor Day weekend on the eastern seaboard. We had such a delightful time with attending "The Fix" -- gifted tickets from our youngest to a high powered dancing musical with politics tied in a knot. 

We also had a glorious day for exploring Old Annapolis together. 

Great memories and incredible rejuvenating experiences -- with an eye toward the future as well. Good to have connections to the future. Things to look forward to.  

Then it was a quick hop through OH and football scrimmage with Flat Stanley along to cheer the learning progress. Blink your eyes and we're off to the Rockies.

We planned this westward trip to be able to be a part of the state BMX finals for team Clement. 

We got to see the unveiling of the new Clement jerseys.

Hard work culminating in opportunity. 

Yeah team!  

One of my favorite 'non-family' moments of the week was our Twitter chat about supporting "Sensory Challenged" students in the classroom. Such a wealth of support, ideas and insight. It is such an honor to orchestrate the sharing and growth of professionals across the country and around the globe. 

The truth is that each and every child is the very ultimate in the eyes of our Creator. No doubt about it. Those that cause us the most pain and make us heart-sick over their actions and choices are still children of the King. 

Every week this year is one of challenge as we wrestle with the two sides of that coin. How do we make peace in the face of distress and fractured relationships?  

We arrived in the Denver airport to appreciate this public mural on the eve of the anniversary of the observation of September 11th. 

Is it any wonder that there are global hotspots, when we have fractured families?

We thank you for your continued prayers of support. 

We continue to grow in the midst of our pain. 

We continue to take baby steps toward the future.