Hey Y'all! Welcome to my corner. I hope everyone had a good week.

I can't believe that it is June already! There are only 9 more days of school. Sarah will be in the fourth grade. Tyler will be in the eighth grade.

This year was the first time Sarah had to take the EOG(end of grade) test. Basically, it determines whether a child moves on to the next grade or not. For about two months, teachers send out reminders to parents. Suggestions such as getting enough sleep and eating a good breakfast. The big one is "to not stress over it." That's exactly what happened to Sarah.

On the first day of the EOG test(there are 3 days total), Sarah woke up with tears in her eyes and a flip-floppy tummy. I reassured her that she was going to do great. I gave her lots of hugs. On the way to school, we prayed in the car. Did she pass the test? Absolutely! She was so relieved when it was over.

I never got to ask the teacher if a child fails, is that it? What if their grades were good all year long and out of fear the child failed? What then? I have to say that this got me thinking. I told Sarah that no matter what happened whether she failed or passed that we would be proud of her. I know my baby. I know that she would be strong and press on.

Proverbs Chapter 24 verse 10 puts it this way, "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." Everybody has adversity. Pastor Shook taught on this scripture today. I would like to share it with you because nowadays so many of us are in the midst of various adversity. Financial problems, broken relationships, addictions and there are many more. If we gave up every time a struggle came our way then we would never learn anything from it. But, non-believers would.

It would say to someone, "Wow, look at you." "Seems like your God is not that big after all." What a terrible witness that is to anyone.

When we have enough faith to go forward then that is when God will give strength. As you act strong, you will get strong. I would like to quote Pastor Shook from this mornings service. God does not give us strength for the battle; He gives us strength in the battle. How you handle adversity is your witness. When you became a Christian, your name is FOREVER attached to God and His people. Do you want to be somebody's inspiration or their excuse?

Adversity for me has been different things at different times. My pappaw used to say that adversity brings character. The biggest test so far has been Tyler's diagnosis(autism). Initially I was overcome with fear and grief. But thank God, His grace and love reminded me that I still had faith. Even if it was tiny, it was there.

None of us deserve God's grace any of the time. We can be strong and go forward knowing that God will not only see us through, but clothe us in a way that can be an inspiration to others. Leave a legacy for God. Let's defend His name!

If you don't know Christ as your personal Savior then ask him to forgive you of your sins and to come into your heart today. This world is a mean and evil place. But there is a MIGHTY BIG GOD who sent His son to stand with you.

Pastor Shook, God bless you and your family.

Well folks, thanks for your time. I love you. Have a good week.