Good Afternoon Girls!  I'm getting a late start today as my body feels like lead.  Don't worry, it's not the heaviness of grief.  It's the combination of me falling very hard on the ice last week, getting a sinus infection, and a mild case of sugar withdrawal.  I am still eating a little sugar, but my body is used to mass quantities of all things sugar and corn syrup.  It is giving me a big "What's up with this green vegetable crap!!!!  We thought we had finally converted you back to the old Jen.  How did you find your way out of the partially hydrogenated pit and remember where the vegetables and fruit are at the grocery store?/!!!"  Yes, I am finally telling my body no to a couple of the things it thinks it wants, and reintroducing it to the things it really wants....and needs.  For those of you who are trying to lose a couple of pounds and need a little instant gratification try this trick today: do not eat any simple carbs today after 3pm.  By simple carbs I mean white rice, white potatoes, breads, or baked goods.  Instead, eat an apple or baby carrots for a little energy.  And.....here's the trick.....eat asparagus with your supper (do not cover it with butter or cheese) AND munch on a bunch of celery tonight.  Eat as much of it as you want....(but no veggie dip).  Try to drink only water after 3pm as well.  Asparagus and celery are two healthy yet powerful diuretics and you will lose a little water weight which will make you feel like you have made some quick progress.  I have always found that a little quick progress helps me to make better choices the next day. 

Now, to follow up with yesterday.  I talked about how I am in such a place of peace and comfort.  I referred to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 where it says that we are comforted by God so we can be a comfort to others.  I believe that I am in this place of comfort so I may comfort others who are hurting.  When I finished writing, I felt the Holy Spirit speak to my heart and say "What about those who have been hurting longer than you, who are still not in this place of peace and comfort?"  It wasn't like He was asking me the question because he needed the answer.  I mean....He is the only one who has the answer.  The question was asked on behalf of those who would read what I wrote yesterday and ask "Why don't I have the same peace she has?  I have prayed for peace.  I know others have prayed for me.  I seek the Lord and desire His will.  What am I doing wrong?"  I know there are those of you out there.  I know it, because the Holy Spirit made it so strong in my heart that you would be feeling this way.  Not in a jealous way....but in a "what about me?" way.
So I asked for answers, just as I am sure you have asked for answers.  The answer I received did not give me much confidence.  The answer I received is something to the effect of  "You cannot know....until it is time to know."   In other words, we don't know why we suffer in some areas for so long.......until we are on the other end and begin to see God's glory and power shine through the outcome.  It falls into the same line of questioning we all find ourselves tempted to ask from time to time.  Questions like as children of the Most High God, Why is it that some are delivered so quickly and others are not?  Why is it that one person's house is saved, and another one is lost?  Why is it that one persons business is thriving, while others are out of work?  Why is it that one has broken free form addiction, yet another is as home pouring a drink right this minute?  Why is it that someone is lifting her arms in praise and worship, and the next one is burying her hands in her face sobbing?  Is one of these believers right....while the other is wrong?
These questions will not bring answers.  They will only leave you with doubt.  I don't know why we sometimes find ourselves victorious while others are still in trial.  Maybe it is because there are certain people we are to minister to....and someone has to stay in the pit just a little longer because they are going to be the ones to pull others out.  Others, who are deeper in the pit than I ever was.  Or perhaps the enemy is working on you hard right now.  Maybe he is filling you with lies and pouring out a spirit of depression on you....and you are unable to see it for what it is, as he has been doing it to you for so long.  Maybe the Lord is positioning people or places for your victory, and unable to take away their free will, He is waiting on someone's heart to change (while holding you steady so you will not be lost). 
I don't have the answers to the Why's, What's and How's.  All I know is that God is our only answer.  There may be temporary pain relief through what the world has to offer, but only the healing power of Jesus can take away your pain forever.  He is not holding it back from you.  He is ready, willing and able to give it to you.  I think sometimes we are too buried in ourselves to feel it.  We're not doing anything wrong, we just forget after a while, how it feels to feel good.  We forget sometimes that we need to stir up a little feistiness and take hold of our healing.  We need to draw a line in the sand and say "I've had enough.....your Word says you will bring me peace....and I am TAKING HOLD OF IT RIGHT HERE....RIGHT NOW....AND I AM NOT LETTING IT GO!" 
Free your mind of doubt.  Don't entertain the questions any longer.  Trust what you know to be true....way down deep within your heart.  Trust in the One who will one day wipe away every single tear. 

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever