How do you handle persecution?  When it is someone else asking me for advice, I seem to have all the answers.  But when it is directed at me or my family, suddenly I want to run away to some far off land and forget it all.  As I look to Christ to lead me, I see that He ran to the Father.  He went away to pray.  It is as though that was His way to refuel.  Am I at the point in my life where I can say, "Not my will but Thine" even if that means the persecution does not stop?  I want God's will if it is good, not if it's bad.  Is that too honest?  Does anyone else feel that way?  When I read of the martyrdom of Christians from yesterday and today, the peace they often experience is thrilling and convicting all at once.

Elizabeth Eliot writes regarding suffering, "What was this little incident of mine compared to the Lord's suffering?  (What of) Jesus' willingness not only to eat with Judas who would soon betray Him but also to kneel before him and wash his dirty feet."  Oh, the beautiful example of Christ.  That I might have one small portion of His humility in times of trial.

We recently got to lay some sod in the grass in front of the stone church in Alma.  It looks so great!  Now if only they could get some good rain!