Oct./nov. 2026

     “My mama said that life is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you are going to get.”  That is a famous quote from Forrest Gump, the movie of the same name.  Interestingly enough, his quote is quite accurate, as we often can not predict what will come our way in life.  Sometimes, things can appear to be going one way, and everything is working the way we planned. Then, all of a sudden, it can feel like the bottom has fallen out from beneath us, and we don’t know what to do from one day to the next.  That’s life sometimes.  I am so grateful that God has gone before me and spoken into every situation of my life, the good and the bad, and promised me that, regardless of what happens, that in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him, and have been called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28 NIV)

     One thing is for sure: I truly love God, and I have made it my life’s mission to express that love openly in all I do.  Loving God is comforting; it is a feeling like nothing else.  Loving God has allowed me to separate myself from that which is not Him.  It also demands that I exude His love and share it with others.  The love relationship I share with God, however, doesn’t exclude me from the world’s troubles; in some instances, it seems that attracting them is a guarantee, and with each ordeal, God redirects my attention to Romans 8:28.

     When things are going great in life, I don’t remember complaining much.  I mean, who complains about the sunshine?  On the contrary, storms do not feel good at all.  I have found it encouraging that, even in my lowest moments, there is purpose in it all.  I also must admit that I found it quite difficult to find reason during these experiences.  “Why me” is how I have questioned myself, and soon I answer myself with “Why not me”.   While He has given all of His children unique gifts, talents, and assignments in life, I think that God also chooses some of His children to endure more than others, which echoes the latter part of Romans 8:28 (who have been called according to His purpose).  

    With all that we face in life, both the good and the bad, God says that it all serves a purpose for our good.  We must trust the process and face each part with patience and faith, for it all comes from God.