Testing

Dear Readers,

Please reply to let me know if you find any advertisement/video at the bottom of this blog. I had two reports of  such after my last post, but when I have gone into the blog from outside (rather than from the administrative mode which I am on now), I do not find any ad/video.  The one video clip was crass and inappropriate. Another person saw a different clip that wasn’t bad, but nonetheless, I want to know if this is happening across the board or if this was a one time thing. If this is going to continue, I’ll check into what I can do. So this post is a test, and I need your response to know if this is going to be a real problem that needs to be addressed.

Talking about tests — that’s the nature of life, isn’t it? Each chapter of each person’s life contains tests.  I’m in another chapter this month. I have finished 30 credits (10 courses) toward my doctorate and am taking a two month break (November -December). I’m glad to be done with all those papers and tests, but I am also so thankful for the opportunity to be challenged by them!  I’ve learned so much, and I’m so grateful. I don’t know how I’ll use my new educational experiences, but I trust that God will do something with them.

Now I started another test on Monday, another self-inflicted test: a new diet!!  Do you have trouble maintaining a good and healthy weight? I do! I have had trouble for years.  A number of factors figure into this: my make-up and metabolism, my hormones and my age, my fibromyalgia, and of course, living in the USA with zillions of “affordable” temptations.  Well, my weight has gone up and down in the last ten years.  So, now I’m trying to lose 20 pounds and have lost several pounds this week.

Weight issues are spiritual as well as physical and emotional issues. I trust that the Lord will help me through this. It is truly a test of stamina and self-control and patience…. Whatever the test, it has spiritual dimensions. And usually, we have multiple tests occurring at the same time! How are you doing at handling tests? What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding handling tests?

Please let me know if any advertisement or video is at the end of this post when you open it on your computer. And if you have a minute, share your word of advise regarding how to respond to tests — a favorite scripture or wise quotation. Thanks so much!!

Hebrews chapters 11 and 12 say much about testing. Today, I read, “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; . . . “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline o f the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the LORD loves He disciplines and He scourges ever son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:4-6). Well, let’s think on that!