Joy in Suffering

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 NLT

John Piper so poignantly said: "If you live gladly to make others glad in God, your life will be hard, your risks will be high, and your joy will be full." My joy is overflowing!

Listen to John Piper's incredible podcast called, "The Inexplicable Life: Humility, Hope and Love in Suffering. It's SO good!

Home to Stay

Please forgive my sporadic posting since our move to Hattiesburg. I'm still adjusting to this new life, and my blog has suffered serious neglect. Although living in the south has come with some huge changes, I love it. Not only that, but I belong here! It seems crazy to say that, especially since I was digging my heels into the St. Louis dirt just a few months ago...but it's the honest truth. I feel it. I know it. I truly belong here.

It's amazing how God has blessed us during the past four months. He has put terrific people in our path, and we now have wonderful friends and a loving church family. We fit right in, and it's such a fabulous feeling. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us to feel so welcome!

Here are some of our closest friends at Mardi Gras last weekend. The Greers (on the left) also teamed up with us for the FPC chili cook-off in January...and we took home the big prize! The Kanes (on the right) are our mirror-image friends who live across the street. Chami and I are training for a half-marathon in April. We have so much fun together!

Above is a group of girls from the church. Most of these gals are in our Sunday School class and the Tuesday night Bible Study. I had an opportunity to share my testimony at the last study, and I was so blessed by the experience. I look forward to hearing everyone else's stories in the months to come. This was the first girls' night out, and I'm hoping it becomes a regular thing! I love my girlfriend time!

All in all, things are good. On the health front: I'm recovering from my third bout of the stomach flu, and my girls both have bronchitis. It seems like everyone I know is battling some type illnesses. Wade is the only healthy one. He just returned from an 8-day trip to Arizona and California, and we celebrated his birthday on Thursday. Happy Birthday, Wade!

Lots of love from Mississippi!

Blessings,
Ramona

Treasured Friends

Wade and I are involved in an amazing small group Bible study on Wednesday evenings. We're studying the marriage relationship, using the book Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs. This is a life-changing study for us, not only because of the weekly dose of marriage insight, but also because of the incredible relationships we're building.

This dynamic group has been a Godsend for us. We are able to laugh, cry and be totally real with one another, knowing that we are accepted and loved unconditionally. I highly recommended it. We all need supportive individuals to encourage and hold one another accountable.

Wade and I have so many wonderful friends, both in and apart from this small group...and we are so deeply grateful. Several years ago, we felt completely unattached to St. Louis and it's community. Now we couldn't imagine leaving. Thank you to all of our friends, near and far!

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two men can stand back-to-back and conquer. ~Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT

A faithful friend is a strong defense; and he that hath found him hath found a treasure. ~Louisa May Alcott

1 John Bible Study

Our wonderfully rich study of 1 John came to a close tonight. Pictured above are the lovely ladies whose hearts have been knitted together through eight weeks of study, sharing and prayer. This experience has profoundly impacted my life, inspiring me to love with a more thankful and joyful heart. I praise God for beautiful relationships and powerful lessons.

True Hope

My Tuesday night Bible Study group is such a blessing in my life.
1 John is so rich and full of real-life application, and the women in the group are genuine, open and truly seeking God's face. I'm really looking forward to seeing what's in store for us as the study continues.

As my understanding of God grows, so does my love and adoration for Him. I cannot imagine living this life without the hope that comes from knowing the Lord. We live in a world filled with pain, suffering and sadness. But our sorrows are light and temporary compared to the glory that is to come. And even in times of sorrow, there's inexplicable comfort and peace that stem from a personal relationship with Christ. This week, my personal prayer is to be a blessing to others and to live as if Jesus were right here in the room.

In Him,
Ramona

Pieces of Cake

My new women's Bible Study commenced tonight. 1 John...rich stuff. I look forward to the study and the fellowship. The group consists of one close friend and many gals I barely know. It seems like it's going to be a deep & honest opportunity for spiritual growth. That's my kind of Tuesday night!

On the home front, we're gearing up for a big family weekend. All of Liliana's grandparents will be here, along with other beloved family members. With seven guests joining us, we're destined to have a terrific time. I've already begun preparing Liliana for a "sleepover" in Mommy and Daddy's room. We'll be bunking with the birthday girl so that her room is available for Grammy.

Liliana's celebration should be a piece of cake (pun totally intended). All she wants is a pink birthday cake, candles and a showing of "Stuart Little." I'd say we have it pretty easy this year. Starting next week, we embark on a new adventure: nighttime in a big girl bed! I'm sure we're in store for all kinds of fun.

Here's to living the life! Ramona

SO Hard to Say Goodbye

Last week we said goodbye to our Monday night Bible Study group. I sure will miss spending time with this beautiful group of ladies. Pictured L to R: Leigh Ann, Mona, Lori, Andrea, Christy, Elizabeth, Nancy, Bekah, and Barb. Liz was unable to be with us (congrats to her for great news).