Dear Fellow Believer in Christ: Greetings in the name of our Lord!
We pray that you are in good health and that God is with you daily! For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. |
 "Test and Trials"
You would think that when you are in the upper 80's that life may be better. It is wonderful to know that Jesus is always with you. It seems that when you receive a Miracle you know that another test may be coming to wait for the next Miracle. Again, Bonnie Lou has been under attack with trying to find why liquid is appearing under her lungs. The doctor took over a quart of fluid off but still having a hard of breathing. She's been going to Emergency for this, seeing doctor after doctor, Bonnie Lou is in need of another great Miracle. One of our hanai (adopted) daughter has been going through another type of trial and she tells it so well. I wanted to share her story: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many
kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not
lacking anything." James 1:2-4
I believe God uses trials and unfair circumstances to refine us and temper us.When we look to HIM in every situation, we come out more of who He's called us to be, and our aroma in life can be that much more effective. He's the Master Roaster and Brewer...He has us; He's in control.
At first, I hated everything I was going through. I was a hot mess! (Just being real ya'al). But, I allowed the circumstances to draw me closer to God, and draw me closer to my husband. I also see that God allowed the situation(s) to be used for His glory, and to prepare me for what He has next for me (and us) in Oregon. I was filled with so much doubt, but He also used others to pour truth, affirmation, and promises back into me. The key action word here is "ALLOW". Sometimes, we don't allow God to have control, like the way a coffee bean roaster has control in order to articulate the flavorful outcome of a coffee batch. If we avoid the trial altogether, we never produce an aromatic smell/taste. Also, if we don't allow God to have control once we're in the trial, we burn out and produce an awful aromatic smell/taste.
There are other things you need to allow. Make sure you never turn away friends, encouragement, and promises . . . be grateful for who & what is there in the midst of your struggle. You need to embrace that, and you need to embrace what's ahead. Do not allow yourself to get stuck in a rut! Months ago, there were two things The Holy Spirit was whispering in my heart . . . and, I believe I walked through both of these struggles leading up to this transition (moving to Oregon):
1. "If the devil can't take what God has given you, he'll attempt to make you doubt in what God has given you."
2. "If the devil can't sabotage the plans and blessings God has for your life, he'll slyly attempt to get you to sabotage it yourself."
Unless we combat these lies and struggles with the Word of God (The Holy Bible), and unless we truly take it to God, we cannot overcome. Stay in the Word, speak the Word, and speak LIFE over who you are in Christ. Allow truths spoken into your life by others to take root. Make sure you "water" the right seeds, and "choose what you brew". For more of Robyn's story, please visit her website: Coffee with Robyn Please remember Bonnie Lou in your prayers today. |
Feeding the spirit, feeding the body ~ Enjoy this month's recipe:  Sour Cream Coffee Cake
1 cup of butter (please use the real thing....mmmm...butter!) 1 cup of sugar (never claimed it would be healthy) 1 cup of sour cream (not low fat - remember we really wanna like this coffee cake) 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1/3-1/2 cup of brown sugar (I like dark brown) Cream together the butter, sugar and eggs. Add in the sour cream and vanilla. (beware of flying sour cream...it happens) Mix together the flour, baking soda and salt, then add into the creamy awesomeness. Spread 1/2 the mixture in a greased 9×13. Mix together the filling ingredients...try not to sample. Spoon 1/2 the filling over the batter. Drop by spoonfuls remaining batter over filling. Sprinkle remaining filling. *** I like to put it in the oven for about 5 minutes...let the batter on top begin to spread out, smooth it with a fork, THEN add the rest of the filling/topping. Bake at 350˚ for 30 minutes. http://blog.studiojewel.com/2014/03/sour-cream-coffee-cake-because-its-awesome-because-we-love-it-because-its-our-favorite-thing/ |
We welcome your comments or requests for prayer. May God continue to lead you and bless you! If you feel led to support our ministry, send your check to the address below. Sincerely, William Ashpole Bill Ashpole Ministries
57 Ilima St, Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786 |
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