Everyone is like Job

Hi everyone. I just finished reading the book of Job. Everyone, at one time or another, is like Job. Something goes wrong in their life and they complain. Who do they blame for their situation? More often than not, they blame God.

"God, why did you bring this into my life? You do great things for people. Why are you making me suffer? I'm innocent; I did nothing wrong," Job complained.

God answers Job in a very powerful speech, using symbols and metaphors. God told Job that he is not in control. God has power over everything, not humans. God explained that we gain a lot from our struggles. It builds character and persistence in us. It builds character by thinking of others; some people have it worse than us. We have a strong desire to help those in need. We develop persistence by never giving up when the "going gets tough".

God also said that it is wrong to think we're innocent. Everyone sins, believers and non-believers alike. When we get sick, God warns us to turn from our evil ways else we die.

In our struggles, it is ok to complain to God. He understands and can help us.

A very powerful woman

Hi all. I just got done reading the book of Esther in the Old Testament. I was pleasantly surprised that a woman could do so much! Women did not have any rights in the "old days" and even less influence. Because Esther was queen, her husband- the king- took her seriously. The king found out that Haman, part of his royal guard, planned to kill every Jewish person. Esther did not want that to happen so she devised a scheme that worked. Haman died and the Jews were safe. All women should look to Esther for confidence, to do the right thing.

Esther has given me confidence. I thought about writing to Scott Walker, Milwaukee's County Executive. He is doing a good job, except for the bus system. He just eliminated 2 bus routes and I have thought about writing him a letter of complaint. Esther gave me the confidence to write it. I will pray that God speaks to Mr. Walker and changes his views.

Happy new year!!

Hi everyone. I stayed up until midnight last night, something I have never done. (I wanted to see 2009 leave.)

When I got up this morning, I was thinking about New Year's. Some Americans only think about the secular part of the new year... "What can I change about myself?" But there is so much more! I was pondering life this morning; how things in our life happen for a reason. Sometimes we see it, but most times we're left to wonder about the meaning.

Case in point... my unemployment. I realized why God brought this. I am learning to depend on Him, more than my family and friends. When I arise from sleep, I read the Bible for one hour. This helps immensely! The rest of my day is peaceful. I also discovered I have a new talent. When I'm done applying to jobs, I spend 2 hours beading. Right now, my main focus is creating necklaces.

Remember, there are positivive things in the midst of struggles.