We don't always know the reason for our trials, but God revealed to Paul the reason for his "thorn in the flesh." It was to keep him from being "exalted" (See 2Co 12:7). Success can be intoxicating, and intoxicated people aren't known for being too bright or trustworthy!

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It's when we feel most separated from God, that He's teaching us the most. Dave Dravecky said, "Looking back...I have learned that the wilderness is part of the landscape of faith, and every bit as essential as the mountaintop. On the mountaintop we are overwhelmed by God's presence. In the wilderness we are overwhelmed by His absence. Both places should bring us to our knees; the one, in utter awe; the other, in utter dependence."

So many times we slander others with our words...

One lady writes: "I went through a period of trying to overcome gossip but I'd still tell it to my husband. Although I knew he wouldn't repeat it, I realized that by exposing him to it I was poisoning his spirit. That's when I decided to change what was coming out of my mouth."

God can bring good out of every situation. He can take every experience you've been through, both positive and negative, and make it work for good, either your good or the good of others. When you seek to fulfil God's purposes in spite of your flaws, He makes "...all things work together for good..." (Rom 8:28).

I spent a good part of Mother's Day creating a gallery of designs...

Before World War II Josefina Guerrero was the toast of Manila, young, vivacious and married to a wealthy medical student. Then in 1941 she discovered she had leprosy. Immediately she began treatment, but when Japan invaded the Philippines all the leprosariums were abandoned. Despite her disease Joey joined the underground, smuggling food, clothes, medicine and messages to POW's. She mapped out fortifications along the waterfront and the location of anti-aircraft batteries. When guerrillas discovered a newly-sown minefield where the 37th Division was scheduled to land in Manila, they asked her to get the message through. With little thought for her own life she trudged through miles of enemy encampments with the map taped to her back and delivered it safely. Because of her courage many dangerous missions were completed and the U.S. War Department awarded her the Medal of Freedom with silver palm for saving untold American lives. Amazingly, Joey was never caught. In fact, Japanese soldiers were horrified by the ragged little woman who shuffled through the streets of Manila. And even when she was stopped they didn't detain her long, once they recognised the swathed bandages and lesions of advancing leprosy.