The Good Hard

 Recently a friend and I were walking and talking and the term "good hard" came up. Ya know, the things we face in life that are super hard in the moment, but looking back we can see the good that came out of it? We had been discussing recent struggles and even shared a few embarrassing low moments we had experienced. The low moments in and of themselves were not what was embarrassing, it was describing them out loud to a friend that brought the blood rushing to our cheeks! I am grateful to have friends that I can do this with. 

Our little adventurer is now walking!

James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

All of us face trials, whether we believe in God or not. I am thankful that in following God, our trials produce maturity and growth and character. None of it is wasted! Even if the trial is brought on by our own weakness or sinfulness. Thank you, Lord! 

We are growing. God has planted us in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, for this season of life and he sure is using this place to make us more like Him. There is something about being out here away from the "comforts of home" that bring all of your weaknesses a little closer to the surface. Anyway, we are thankful for it  (most days). 

Baby Girl due Feb. 14th

I'm learning more and more that nothing good comes out of a proud heart, but many blessings follow humility. So for our prayer partners out there, can we humbly ask you to pray us through this stretch of extra good hard stuff? Pray for our family and our marriage. Pray for our ministry here at CMA. Pray for my pregnancy and finding the right doctors and every step between now and us meeting our little [girl] sometime in February. Pray for our community here. And whatever else comes to mind. 

With humble, thankful hearts! 

Matthew, Jamie, Gabe, and Baby Girl