Hardship Builds Character

“A noted scientist, observing that the early sailors believed the coral-building animals instinctively built up the great reefs of the Atoll Islands in order to protect themselves in the inner waterway, has disproved this belief. He has shown these organisms can only live and thrive facing the open ocean in the highly oxygenated foam of the combative waves.

It is commonly thought that a protected and easy life is the best way to live. Yet the lives of all the noblest and strongest people prove exactly the opposite and that the endurance of hardship is the making of the person. It is the factor that distinguishes between merely existing and living a vigorous life. Hardship builds character.”

~ from Streams in the Desert, January 13th

Yet I am so thankful to God, who always marches us to victory under the banner of the Anointed One; and through us He spreads the beautiful fragrance of His knowledge to every corner of the earth. – 2 Corinthians 2:14


It is so difficult to believe this and to take it to heart, much less to live like we believe it! I know that I, for one, would LOVE an easy, comfortable life. But that is not always what is best for us. Many times God would have us to go through trials in order to build our character, and to make us into the people that He wants us to be.

So today, regarding that difficult situation, trying person, or hurtful experience that you (and I!) want to lament and resist…let us make an attempt to accept the circumstance as an opportunity from God to grow. I think that we will be amazed by how He assists us and rewards us for our efforts! ❤


Photo Credit: Unknown

The Glass is Half Full

Does anyone have any practical ideas or advice regarding how to be a more positive person? I tend to see things from a negative perspective, and I really want to focus on being more optimistic this year. Any and all thoughts are appreciated! 🙂

glass-is-half-full


Photo Credits: Unknown

Embracing Acceptance

Amazingly (and yet I really shouldn’t be amazed), the evening after writing my last post regarding my longing to be accepted for who I am, I opened my inspirational calendar to this quote:

When we open our hearts and let God speak to us, we discover we’re truly known and loved in a way we never thought possible. The acceptance we long for is already ours if only we’ll dare to embrace it.

So here’s to daring to embrace acceptance! The knowledge that God loves me and accepts me is a truth I really do know deep down in my heart, but I think–like many other areas of my life–it will require me to embark on a journey to experience it fully.

Thank you, Father, for embracing me freely, and for showing me (however long it may take) how to embrace You in return.


Quote from: God’s Heart for You, by Holley Gerth