In James 1 the Bible says that we should consider it great joy when we encounter trials.

My thinking is, “Are you kidding me?!!” Is God some kind of sadistic monster?

Over the last four years I have walked through an emotional wasteland in my life. I have thought many times that God had abandoned me and that He was remembering my sins even though I have confessed and repented.

As I reflect on this time in my life,  I realize that I have achieved more through these past four years than all of my life.

I know that I have unconditional love for my children. I have loved them even though I have felt betrayed by them.

I have become involved in a fight for justice and I am writing a novel about the corruption in the family court system and also the evil within the Texas Attorney General’s office.

I have learned that no matter how frustrating life can be it is my response to that frustration which I am accountable for.

I have tempered my tongue and have tried not to cuss like a sailor when I discuss things which frustrate me because they originate from the devil. To cuss gives him victory and brings grief to my God.

I have achieved peace in the midst of the storm. When I have been walking on the waves of life I do not sink because my faith has been placed on the creator of those waves, knowing that He loves me to eternity and back.

I have given my security of savings to God. I have faith that if I follow His calling on my life to be a Christian writer it is His responsibility to worry about my bills, not mine.

I have put His desire for my life above the desire of my family and my friends by abandoning the income producing career that gave them a false sense of security.

I have in essence achieved great joy and I know now, without a doubt, that God was there all along.