"The Lord can not bless you, until you praise him."

"The Lord can not bless you, until you praise him."

This quote was once told to me by my sister-in-law, who I am blessed to say is more to me than just a sister-in-law, but one of my very best friends.

We were at a time in our lives- where we literaly did not have one extra penny to our name. In between jobs, bills mounting up- fighting constantly about finances with a small baby at home. Things were looking glum. That was until one day- when I was complaining to my sister in law on the phone and she spoke those simple words to me. I am almost certain that she does not remember this coversation, but it has forever impacted my life.

She could never have been more right!!

We were not going to church- we were not praying, we were not doing anything! NOTHING- yet I wondered why the road was so hard. DUH!!!

Don't get me wrong- just because we have turned to a new chapter in our lives- one that includes God on the forefront- things are still hard.... that is just the way it is. He suffered too...... a great loss.

I hold fast to his promise- this gets me though.

God never promised

a life without pain,

Laughter without tears

or sun without rain.

But he did promise

His strength for the day,

Comfort for the tears

and a light for the way.

And for all who believe

in His Heaven above,

He rewards their faith,

with an everlasting love.