It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth;
You made both summer and winter.
(Psalm 74:17)

Our first snow arrived last night.  It falls silently and softens the world around me.  As many times as I've seen the snow fall, it continues to bring a childlike joy and amazement.  Thank you, God, for each special flake.  :-)

Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
(Psalm 71:20)

Snow is falling right now, giving the world a bright, fresh face, restoring the beauty that has been lost in the clouds.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,  while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
(Titus 2:11-13)

Isn't this a beautiful and hopeful scripture?  Our worldly passions will fade away and have no worth so don't give them undeserved value, especially as we enter the season of Christmas.

Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath.
(John 9:14)

We learn through scripture, that although the Sabbath is a holy day and a day of rest, we should still use our common sense as to what is acceptable behavior on the Sabbath.  Jesus "worked" on the Sabbath in the above scripture, but He was helping a man to restore his eyesight.  I think that if your action is God-pleasing, it really doesn't matter if it's done on the Sabbath as long as it glorifies God.  As always, it goes back to the heart of the deed and the motive behind your action.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
(Romans 13:8)

Watching all of the shoppers on TV this weekend just amazes me.  I guess I'm just too old..... maybe I'm wiser too.... but I can't see myself waiting in line to spend money that I really don't have anyway.  The rush of a good deal will come to halt with the arrival of the credit card bills next month.  

One debt that will remain with me forever is the debt to my Savior and there is no way I can repay that debt.  Thankfully, He doesn't expect repayment, but He does expect me to trust and obey.  This sounds easy enough in theory, but it's sure difficult for me to maintain with any consistency.  I'll keep trying......it's the least (truly the least) I can do.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
(Hebrews 4:16)

Confidence during times of difficulty is difficult for me to maintain.  I have to keep my faith strong, knowing that God is merciful and has a specific plan for my life.

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
(Psalm 100:1-3)

Happy Thanksgiving!  Regardless of your circumstances today, there is reason to be grateful and praise the Lord.  He is with us through thick and thin, the ultimate support today and beyond.  Thank you, Lord.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
(Colossians 3:16)

God loves to hear our songs of gratitude and praise.  We are blessed in more ways than we even realize and a little song of praise is music to God's ears.

My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
(Psalm 119:50)

These words stand out for me today after a rough night.  I knew that I wasn't alone though..... the Lord was there to comfort me.

Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
(Proverbs 16:24)

Even the word "honeycomb" brings peaceful visions to my mind while imagining the bees miraculously building their honeycomb in perfect hexagons.  Only God could have orchestrated such a work of nature.  This word, and of course, a million more along these lines, brings a calmness to the soul that is truly healing. 

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(Ephesians 5:5)

I had a little wrestle with my conscious this morning..... while tithing and picking out a recipient from the Angel tree...... I was concerned about my finances.  Being greedy and not relying on God's provisions is definitely sinful.  It's prioritizing money, which is making money an idol.......and it's all wrong, wrong, wrong.

The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled
and human pride brought low;
the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.
(Isaiah 2:11)

Pride is very difficult for me to control.  God hates for us to be prideful, yet I want credit for things I have done, recognition for deeds, whatever.  As long as I keep pride in my life, I dishonor God and displease Him.  Just one more sin (of many) for me to work on taming.......

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
(Hebrews 12:4)

I can't imagine shedding one drop of my blood resisting sin.  First of all, I live in a country and in an age where this probably will not be an issue.  Secondly, I'm your basic coward.  Thirdly, Jesus has already shed His blood, knowing that I will always struggle with sin and can't be successful on my own.  His blood was shed for me...instead of mine......and in spite of my own sins and weaknesses. 

A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.
(Proverbs 15:13)

That happy heart comes from the peace of knowing God.

All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks.
(1 Chronicles 12:38a)

RIP Kevin....

I will bless her with abundant provisions;
her poor I will satisfy with food.
(Psalm 132:15)

Just feeling extra blessed today.  Went grocery shopping today (senior day discounts!) and I'm just feeling very fortunate to be able to have enough food to sustain me (and then some) and enough money to buy provisions. 

All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
(Acts 10:43)

The prophets knew, the disciples knew, and now we have the privilege of knowing too.......that Jesus Christ forgives our sins and the only "catch" is that we believe in Him, a very small price to pay.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

I guess we can't hear this enough.  "Be strong and courageous" is in the Bible twelve times, yet we often falter in our faith.  I'm not exactly strong and courageous, but I become stronger and more courageous in direct correlation with how much I turn my life over to God.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
(Romans 15:4)

I continue to work on memorizing scripture.  My mind just isn't what it used to be, that's for sure.  It took me almost 3 weeks to memorize my most recent scripture.  One day I didn't know it, then next day, I did.  Poof....just like that.  God keeps us from giving up and rewards us for our effort.  I feel blessed.  On to the next scripture......

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
(Isaiah 6:8)

This scripture is engraved on the tombstone of my friend that was killed in Afghanistan last November.  A true servant.  Thank you to all of the military, past and present, who keep us safe at the risk of their own lives.  

The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
(Proverbs 11:23)

In other words....there is no hope for the wicked.

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”
For it is not wise to ask such questions.
(Ecclesiastes 7:10)

The past is just that.....the past.  We tend to romanticise and even forget the truth of the past.  The pain of the past softens, while the pain of the present is strong and vivid.  Receive each day as a gift from God and glorify Him in your thoughts and actions.  Learn from your past but be grateful for the joy of new beginnings.  It's a new day........

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
(Proverbs 31:25)

For little baby Madison......who sets the bar for bravery, strength, and endurance.

Fall leaves,
Jesus doesn't!

(As seen on a church marquee today.)
   

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
(Daniel 9:3)

The sermon today was about fasting....mostly the way and the motives behind the fasting, not the actual act.  And it doesn't have to be food....you can fast from anything that takes you away from God.....everything from Internet use to watching TV.  I'll be fasting soon.....but it will be between my God and me, no one else.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
(2 Corinthians 13:14)

All of this is ours to receive.  We aren't worthy of these gifts, which makes it all the more amazing.  What a blessing!

Walk with the wise and become wise,
 for a companion of fools suffers harm.
(Proverbs 13:20)

I walked with my wise companions today and had a blessed, blessed day!

So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
(1 Kings 19:8)

Talk about travel mercies!  One meal from God to give you the strength and endurance to travel 40 days.  Amazing!

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,  so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Romans 15:5-6)

I pray for endurance, patience, and an attitude that will glorify a merciful, gracious God.

But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
(Psalm 19:12)

Somehow it's much easier to see someone else's faults and overlook our own. None of us are free from faults which should make it easier to forgive and forget the faults of others.

How then can I dispute with him?
How can I find words to argue with him?
(Job 9:14)

Where are the words when you need them....?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
(Colossians 3:15)

Such an easy recipe for us to follow.....be peaceful and thankful.....yet, almost impossible (no, it IS impossible) for human beings to achieve with any consistency.  Still, this is no reason not to try.....and try...... and try again.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy.
(Job 8:21)

"Yet"...... if it hasn't already happened, it will happen.  Hope abounds.

The cedars in the garden of God
could not rival it,
nor could the junipers
equal its boughs,
nor could the plane trees
compare with its branches—
no tree in the garden of God
could match its beauty.
(Ezekiel 31:8)

This may not be Eden, but the fall season in Indiana brings out leaf colors that could only have been created by God.....they actually glow from within when the sun shines through them.   Spectacular! 

Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
(Isaiah 55:2)

I sure did enjoy that ice cream today, but it didn't fill my nutritional needs.  Money spent on empty calories.  This scripture really makes a point with me.  I spend a fair amount of money on things that are not good for me or simply not needed.  I also spend time doing things that are not particularly productive....there is a lot of wheel spinning.  Scripture, written centuries ago, hits the center of the target, once again.

Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
(Psalm 115:1)

If you are a hymn lover like me, you sometimes overlook the contemporary songs.  The scripture above is featured in the song below and many, many of the contemporary songs take their inspiration and lyrics directly from the pages of the Bible.

"Not To Us"

The cross before me the world behind
No turning back, raise the banner high
It's not for me, it's all for You

Let the heavens shake and split the sky
Let the people clap their hands and cry
It's not for us, it's all for You

[Chorus:]
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory

Our hearts unfold before Your throne
The only place for those who know
It's not for us, It's all for You

Send Your holy fire on this offering
Let our worship burn for the world to see
It's not for us, It's all for You

[Chorus]

The earth is shaking, the mountains shouting
It's all for You
The waves are crashing, the sun is raging
It's all for You
The universe spinning and singing
It's all for You
The children dancing, dancing, dancing
It's all for You, It's all for You

My all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
My all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
My all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
(1 Peter 1:3)

Today is my birthday, although my ultimate birthday was when I accepted Jesus Christ into my life.  Both days are special to me, but my new birth comes with hope and eternal life...... a priceless gift!

Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
(Psalm 40:11)

You've got my back, Lord, and I know that, even though there are times when I feel very exposed and vulnerable. 

Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
(Psalm 100:3)

They say that sheep aren't the smartest of animals, yet they know that their shepherd will take care of them, keeping them safe from harm.  We have that same promise if we choose God as our Lord and Shepherd.  Are we smart enough to take advantage of that promise!?

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
(Psalm 4:8)

How fortunate am I to be able to rest at night....safe, snug, and warm.  I know that many (millions, in fact) do not have that simple pleasure and I do not take it for granted.  It's just one of the many blessings that God has given me and I truly am grateful.

He made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.
(Psalm 104:19)

The seasons are amazing, each displaying their own beauty.  In Indiana, we are heading into fall with chilly rains and falling leaves.  I love it!  The days are getting shorter and we will soon turn our clocks back to the natural time that God created.  The world makes sense only when it runs on God's timing and we should leave it alone.  God knew what He was doing when He made the seasons and divided night and day.  Who are we to mess with God's plan!?

You will surely forget your trouble,
recalling it only as waters gone by.
(Job 11:16)

When we are in the midst of trials it can be very difficult to see beyond our current situation.  Somehow, with God's help and support, we get through the trials and live to see another day.  The trial passes and we go on.  Thankfully, when we look back, the memory of the trouble has softened and we have gained endurance, wisdom, and strength. 

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.
(Hebrews 6:7)

The soft rain is falling down today, quietly soaking into the ground.  I love Autumn rains....chilly outside....dry and warm inside.  Every season has it's own beauty but Autumn and Winter are my favorites.  Slippers on, hot chocolate in hand......thank you, God.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.
(John 10:28)

It's possible for me to be snatched from this earthly world (can't wait!) but I will never be taken from the hand of God.  Nothing can take that promise away from me.

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!
(Acts 5:29)

Peer pressure...not wanting to be persecuted....trying to blend into the crowd.....  All excuses to follow the wrong path, the wrong people, in the wrong direction.  If it isn't in God's will....it shouldn't be in your agenda.  Stand up and be strong enough to obey God and no one else.  

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
(Philippians 3:20-21)

Perfect peace.....at last, Jeff.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
(Hebrews 13:5)

I found myself a little disturbed because of a financial issue and found this scripture to help me focus on what is truly worthwhile and valuable.....God's promise to never forsake me.

Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
(2 Chronicles 19:7)

I do fear being judged by God.  But along with that fear is the knowledge and comfort that He will add grace to His justice.  I will be judged fairly and the Lord will know, even better than I know myself, why I sinned and disobeyed.  It won't be pleasant to be judged....but it will be just, and fair....far more than I deserve.

Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
(Matthew 22:29)

My memory is not what it used to be....or maybe I just don't remember what my memory used to be like. ;)  Whatever the case, I am unable to quote scripture from memory.  I'm starting a little notebook with scriptures that are meaningful to me....and I am going to memorize them.  One scripture a week.... a short scripture.....and see how I do.  It's good mental training and it's wonderful to have scriptures at the ready.  I'm starting with the scripture above to give me motivation from Jesus' own words.

I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD,
the deeds for which He is to be praised,
according to all the LORD has done for us—
yes, the many good things
He has done for Israel,
according to His compassion and many kindnesses.
(Isaiah 63:7)

Isaiah was a true servant.  He always gave every bit of glory to God and humbled himself before the Lord.  I truly admire Isaiah and his servant's heart.  He was an ordinary man who became extraordinary with God's guidance and support.  We should all have Isaiah's willingness to serve.....no questions asked, just total obedience.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Do I give cheerfully?.......not always.  Do I give reluctantly?....... sometimes.  Whatever my outward appearance may look like, God knows exactly what my heartfelt motives are and will judge me accordingly.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
(Hebrews 10:23)

It's pretty easy to be hopeful when things are going our way....today is pretty good, tomorrow looks promising....but when today is rough and tomorrow looks like more of the same or worse, it's harder to hold on to that hope.  No matter what, we have to remain faithful and hold on tight to the promises made to us by God.  He is there for us every day and every minute.  Keep your focus on God's promises and keep your hope strong and alive.

I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.
(Psalm 41:4)

Please heal me, Dear Lord.  If it's in Your will, please heal me.

The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the musicians played and the trumpets sounded. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed.
(2 Chronicles 29:28)

I love the worship songs that we sing in my church.  The service that I attend features the older, traditional hymns.....the hymns of my youth, the hymns that bring sweet memories.  As much as I love the older hymns, I also love many of the modern, contemporary Christian worship songs.  It's not about the year the song was written, it's about the words and the message in the song.   Be open to the words....be open to the message.... and receive the blessings of the song. 

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
(Psalm 112:4)

There IS an end to the darkness.  There IS a light at the end of the tunnel.  There IS hope for all who believe. 

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,  while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
(Titus 2:11-13)

Having the Holy Spirit indwelling us gives us the upper hand in the world we live in.  We have a live-in conscience that helps us make better choices.  I'm not saying that I don't sin and lose control from time to time....OK, often...... but I am saying that the Holy Spirit helps me keep on track and also helps me 
recognize when I jump the track.  The world's a tough place but I have  extra insurance, knowledge, and protection given to me by the Holy Spirit.  And you can have it too....by the grace of God!

Do you know how God controls the clouds
and makes his lightning flash?
(Job 37:15)

None of us have the answer.  God's power is beyond our knowledge and imagination.  Our brains cannot comprehend the endless and unlimited power that God possesses.  I only know.....with confidence.... that He does control all of nature and everything else in the entire universe.  And when things seem out of control, I still have the confidence to know that God knows what He's doing and I need to trust that it's all part of His plan and will.  God is in control of everything.  Period.

I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.
(Psalm 63:8)

And when I turn loose of Your hand, I fall and fail miserably.

When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
(Exodus 17:12)

This is for you, Betsy.  We can't do it alone and we are fortunate that God puts people in our lives to help carry the load and support us when we are weak.  Be strong, but don't be hesitant to accept all the help that God sends to you!

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
(Colossians 3:12)

Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all clothed ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?!  Truthfully, I can't imagine that the world I live in will ever display all of these traits.  I can't even do this myself on a 24/7 basis, even though I try to behave this way as much as possible.  No.....I won't be able to do this or live in a world with all others that are behaving this way until I reach the perfect afterlife in Heaven.  Bliss.......

Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!
(Psalm 66:20)

I'm always amazed that God loves each and every one of us, warts, sins, and all.  His capacity for loving the unlovable is far beyond my comprehension, yet I know it's true.  And He hears each and every prayer.  He may not answer it on my terms or in my time frame, but He does hear and He does answer.  I'm grateful that I'm not rejected by the Holiest of all, my heavenly Father!

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
(2 Samuel 22:33)

I am nothing without the power of the Lord. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
(Philippians 4:6)

I'm anxious today.  I have no reason to be anxious because God has it all under control.  This is one of my favorite scriptures because it is very basic and to the point, yet so full of comfort and promises, as well.  It also brings out my failure to trust God because I am feeling worried in the first place.  Prayer and petition.....God does hear me and He does care. 

; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
(Romans 14:23b)

This scripture came from a devotional this morning.  The words were bold and almost shocking to me.  Brutally truthful!

And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”
(1 Kings 8:61)

I'm wrestling with some commitments right now and have been praying for resolution.  I think I have finally made my decision and I think I will have God's blessing.  I don't ever want my commitment to God to be anything but number one on my list and I pray that the Holy Spirit will keep me on track in honoring that priority.

Act according to whatever they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left.
(Deuteronomy 17:11)

Decisions......I'm taking this scripture out of context, but the bottom line is that our decisions should be based on the Lord's directions, not our own will.  Our focus should be on the Lord's path, and none other.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
(1 John 4:7)

My friends are special gifts from God.  True friends love you when you aren't very lovable.  For this, I'm very humbled and grateful.

We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
(Psalm 33:20)

Hope keeps us going....hope gives us a reason to live.....hope gets it's foundation from the Lord, therefore,  hope is something I can count on through thick and thin.  Hope is hopeful!  ;)

The human spirit can endure in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
(Proverbs 18:14)

It's difficult to be sick.  None of us like to be sick, but it's pretty inevitable that we will all be sick at one point or another.  When we do face illness, if we turn to God for support, hope, and strength, it eases our suffering, whether it takes away the illness or not.  On the other hand, if our spirit is ill, what hope do we have?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

I've quoted this scripture before, but it's one that I return to often.  Today is just one of those days.......

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
(2 John 1:3)

How beautiful is this!?  Nothing could be more true, more pure, more comforting. 

"The school of life offers some difficult courses, but it is in the difficult class that one learns the most."
~ Corrie ten Boom

God never promised an easy life.  I haven't had an easy life, although I hesitate to complain too much, as I certainly know people that have had more trials in their lives than I've had in mine.  If I hadn't had trials placed before me, I would never have had the appreciation for smoother days.  I would have missed the joy of a resolved trial.  I wouldn't have learned squat if life had been presented to me on a silver platter.  Would I like life to be easier? ......you bet..... but truly, my life is richer because of the hardships.  I'm a stronger and more compassionate person because of the trials, troubles, and hardships and I thank God for every day that He gives me.....good and bad.

From my Pastor's sermon this morning;

"What I don't fully understand, I will fully accept."  From this statement, he went on to read from Proverbs 3:6.... Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding:

It was a convicting sermon for me, as I often rely on my own judgement when I'm having trouble figuring out the way that God would have me choose.  I just need to trust and accept that it's OK to not understand, but it isn't OK for me to charge off in my own direction.  Slow down....wait....listen.....trust....then obey.

But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign.
(1 Chronicles 22:9)

Peace and quiet.....rest on every side......this would be perfect!

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
(Exodus 20:16)

My newest neighbors are moving in as I write this....my fifth set of neighbors in less than one year.  It's wears me down and I try to keep "love thy neighbor" in my heart in the midst of chaos.  Please God, give me patience and wisdom!