Trails and Tribulations

"Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?"

One of the most difficult parts of life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life's trials and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through such hard times? Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all, doesn't loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? Well, no, it doesn't. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children and He "works all things together for good" for us (Romans 8:28). So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose.

As in all things, God's ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). The trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. It is part of the process of sanctification; that is, being set apart for God's purposes and fitted to live for His glory. The way the trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." The true believer's faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever.

Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15). God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good.

Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).

Through all of life's trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." These verses encourage us to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about ANYTHING. He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and "he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

ONE YEAR!

Well, BJ and I have now been married for one year a a day! And what an amazing year it has been! We found out on July 1, 2007 we were having a baby! In August we were still in shock, but were excited to tell all of our friends and family. September came along and my birthday was not quit the same as it had been in the past years. I actually celebrated being 26 and not 21. haha! October was filled with trips to California, I was dead set on moving back by the time we had Noah. November was our first Thanksgiving away from our family, kind of a rough one! December, things were starting to get easier living here. We made some great friends at church and started keeping ourselves busy with activities here in Vegas. Christmas was an exciting time, thinking about what Christmas will be like the next year with a little one around. January, we moved into our house we are renting from the Rizzi's and things started to look brighter for me in Vegas. I came to the realization that if I want to stay at home with my kids there is no way we could afford to move back to California and understood that I am now going to be a mother and knew I had to be strong with my decisions. We even had to find a new doctor at 32 weeks!!!! But found out it was a blessing that I did. I absolutely love my doctor! The end of January and beginning of February were filled with doctor appointments and the excitement was in the air with getting ready for our baby boy. On February 25, 2007 at 12:15pm we were bless with our baby boy Noah James Warren! On his Daddy's 26th birthday! We could not have become a happier family! We felt very blessed to have a healthy baby boy! March and April were filled with lots of visitors, family and friends coming to greet Noah! In March we were hit with tragedy, but have been able to grieve with the help of knowing we have a baby boy that counts on us to be strong for him. (Thank you to all our family and friends who supported us through that time.)

May came and went just as fast as the other months. More friends came to visit, old friendships were renewed, and I have never been happier in my entire life! "They" say the first year of marriage is the hardest, and you know, we had our moments, but I would say to who ever "they" are, "they" never married their perfect match! BJ and I just go together. We complement each other. We are in it forever and always, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health...We are shake and bake!

Mother's Day and beyond...

Mother's Day 2008 = AMAZING!!!!

So I have not been on in awhile to update...so let me update you all on what us Warren family have been up to. Well my first Mother's Day was AMAZING!!! My mom and dad, BJs mom and dad, and Brandon and Cindy all came out from California to come to Noah's dedication at church. It was awesome. Candice and her whole family were there too! We chose Brandon Grenert and Candice Keck as Noah's godparents, we don't recognize godparents in our church, but BJ and I wanted to ask two very special people and close to us to be his godparents, to basically be there for Noah throughout his entire life. We thought long and hard about who we were going to ask and we think we chose to pretty inportant people in our lives as well as Noah's.

So After church, we went over to the Rizzi's house and had a BBQ. I took Noah in the pool for the first time! Going into the pool was really funny because the last step of the Rizzi's pool is a lot larger then the other two steps so when I stepped down I practically dunked Noah! Not really, but pretty darn close! After everyone got their laughs in, Noah really enjoyed the water. We stayed in for about 8min. After the pool we ate some lunch and just hang out. It was a very fun day. I feel so lucky to have such wonderful parents and in-laws!

Beyond....So this week, Noah has found his fingers and hands. It is so awesome watching him discover new things! He also can grab things into his hand and shake it. He is tugging on my hair and daddy's necklace that he always wears. He also is holding his head up at about a 45 degree angle sometimes it gets even higher!

To say the least we are all doing very well. We are enjoying every moment of our lives with Noah and one another.

This weekend my best friend from college is here with her boyfriend. So tonight Cara, Brian, Noah and I all went to visit BJ at work. We ate dinner and had a great time! Tomorrow I am going to to dinner again with Cara and Brian but leaving Noah with his godmother/Auntie Candice! It will be the first time Noah will be watched by a non-blood relative. The first time was BJ and I went to HOB and Grandma Cheri and Grandpa Darryl watched Noah. So we shall see how things go. I am sure it will all be fine.

Until next time...Warren Family out...

10 weeks old!

Noah woke up this morning with his first fever! =( He slept most the day on me. He really did not want to leave my side. It was really sweet but I felt bad that he had a fever. It is amazing how much babies need their Mommy's. I feel so blessed to be able to stay at home with Noah and watch him grow and learn new things. Last week he found his feet, he is still not quit sure how to reach them but he loves to stare at them. Yesterday he figured out how to hold his rattle and shake it. Today he has been blowing bubbles and sticking out his tounge and licking me. It is the little things that make me happy. Everyday brings a new adventure and I am loving the ride.

Our first year....

So, I decided to start blogging for all the people out there who I wish I could keep better in contact with, but life just seems so busy.

So for all of you who need a little updating I will start with our wedding! June 9, 2007 BJ and I tied the knot! Went down to Costa Rica for our honeymoon and came back with the best souvenir we could of got, a baby! We found out on July 1, 2007 we were expecting a baby boy. So many emotions came over me and without my wonderful husband I don't think I would have made it through 2007! He was so supportive and helpful through the whole pregnancy. From the moment I told him to the moment I gave birth!

So....now let me bring you up to date with our honeymoon surprise! February 25, 2008 (BJ's 26th birthday) I gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Noah James Warren. He weighed 7lbs 13oz. and was 19 and 1/2 inches long! I had to have a c-section because Noah was breech. When the doctor was pulling Noah out he said, "all I see is butt and nuts." haha! I love my doctor!

So now 10 weeks later....Noah weighs 13 pounds and is 23 inches long and is doing great! He is healthy and beautiful! What more could a mom ask for? He sleeps so well at night too! I feel very blessed to have such a great baby and Husband! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world! =)