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Sarah Halstead

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When Life Is Hard… {Part 1}

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I don’t talk about my faith on this blog much but after some thought I am going to go in a semi new direction here. I want to do more writing {not much of a writer but I want to improve} and less photo challenges. Don’t worry I will be sharing PLENTY of photos.

I joined the Woman’s Bible Study at our church. I HAD to do it. It is based on the book When Life Is Hard by James MacDonald. It talks about all the trials he went through and how God worked through them.

It really is an awesome book and study. The first week was talking about the difference between a trial and a consequence. Trial is out of your control and a consequence is something that happened because of you. Of course you all know I am going the a huge trial right now and I know it is nothing that I did but it was still nice to hear.

The second week was talking about the question that everyone asks, “Why me?” I have asked myself this more times then I can count. I think, why is this happening to me? Therapy three times a week, endless hours of working with Carsyn, seeing other kids his age thriving and seeing him struggle, knowing he wants to do something and can’t. This is not how I pictured my life God. It all comes down to one answer. You are going through your trial so God can shape you and work through you. We even talked about that in church on Sunday.

The third week was how to work through the trial. Of course the normal, pray, read your bible, etc. The other thing is to understand that you are going through this trial for a reason. To trust God to see you through your trial. Knowing that you will be better on the other side and that you will lead others to God. A trial can bring you closer to God or it can take you further away. In all honesty when I first learned of Carsyn’s diagnosis. I ran the other way. I couldn’t understand why. Now with the help of this book and bible study I know. Right now I NEED God in my life. Without him I wouldn’t be able to get through this.

I can not wait for the next three weeks. Maybe I will do another post at the end.

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Comments

  1. Martha says

    I love the forest/bokeh picture! I totally hear you on the trial thing. My daughter is healthy, but I myself was a kid who caused my mom a whole lot of heartache, diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when I was a year old (definitely not as bad as what Carsyn has to deal with though). It was so bad she thought I'd never run or hold a pencil, but I ended up being able to spend several years playing sports and I'm a lifelong musician (piano, violin and voice). Now that I'm grown (and still dealing with lots of physical issues) I can see a thousand reasons why God knit me together in the strange way that He did. I don't know if this will reassure you, but in his mind, this is the way things have always been--it's not a shock to him (the way it is to you) when he can't do something. I hope that's encouraging. I know that my physical problems were much harder on my mom than they were on me as a kid, because I just accepted them. I'm sorry, I've written an essay. Praying for you and your sweet family. Thanks for sharing this; I'm sure you'll be an encouragement to other moms in your situation.

  2. Branson says

    Trusting that there is a reason can be so hard! It is always amazing to look back once you have traveled a hard road, though, and see that reason revealed! :) Can't wait to read more posts like this! HUGS!

  4. Barb says

    Beautiful and heartfelt. I'm glad you found this Bible Study Group and that it is helping. Your photography is beyond stunning - you have so much talent.

  6. Cedar says

    The Jeremiah Bible Study I am in discusses the same thing--the Why for the Israelite is because you turned from God and all He wants is for them to turn back...but the why for Jeremiah is because God has a plan for his life, plans to prosper him, and to bring God glory. Sometimes we don't really see the why until later, but we can know that God loves us and knows what we are going through. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8...I am loving my Jeremiah study...so glad you are enjoying your Bible Study.

  8. Courtney @ The Mommy Matters says

    Thank you for sharing this. I am going to have to pick up that book because I think that I could really use it. I tend to run the other direction when things seem to start crumbling around me and I don't understand why things are happening to me. Praying for you girl. And looking forward to seeing more heartfelt posts like this!

  9. June Makes Six says

    Sarah, I don't share about my faith on the blog either...but am so glad you did. I have not been able to participate in a bible study for a few years but it always helped me focus on what God's plan was/is for my life. I hope His word brings you comfort during this difficult time in your life. Please know that your family and Carsyn will be in my prayers. Tiffany

  10. Ashley Sisk says

    I'm so thankful for all that God is doing in your life. I know from personal experience that the harder the trial, the bigger the reward. God works in strange and mysterious ways and I'm so glad you're taking the time to appreciate it. You know you can talk to me whenever - I'm here with you and I stand in prayer for you.

  11. Elisabeth says

    Thank you, Sarah for opening up. Otherwise I wouldn't have known you were even going through this. I guess I am just as wrapped up in my life as everyone else to realize when others are going through trials. My trials are different, but still I can relate to knowing that you need God in your life. This has been a year full of me getting closer to God and wanting more and more of Him and less and less of me. You're on the right path. Keep breathing and praying. That's all we can do. hugs.

  12. Jaymi says

    these are really beautiful photos! I love the first one, and the leaf on the ground. And your out of focus shot of the trees is really cool too!

  13. Jodi Hall says

    Love that first picture! I love the new direction you are going in with your blog i cant wait to read more!

  14. Bri says

    What a fantastic post! I really think the more we share our faith (and especially our trials), we become connected and God is able to use us to help others. God Bless you as you walk through this trial!! ~Bri~

  15. Katy says

    I think it's great that you're moving past the "why me?" phase. It really is hard, and I think we all backslide from time to time, but it's important to know that it is not our fault. I love the idea of a trial v. a consequence--makes that easier to digest. As far as faith goes, I always remind myself that God's plans are bigger than the the human mind can even conceive. We want answers, but truthfully, we might not be able to see them. It's hard, but that's what faith is all about. Great post.

  16. Kim Stevens says

    Sarah, I don't know your exact trial but knowing that it is something with your child tugs at my heart. I recently watched a video of Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker who was born without any arms or legs. (I've been trying to find the exact link and can't-there are many), but I did write down some things he said that really hit home for me. He said, "God can heal you without changing your circumstances so that the works of God can be revealed through them." That is so powerful. He also said, "If God doesn't give you a miracle you are a miracle for someone elses salvation." I just want to encourage you to follow your heart, you never know who you may touch in the process. Hugs, Kim

  17. Faith says

    WOW - such a good post!! I don't talk about my faith on my blog either, but it's great to see my friends thriving! Going through a trial is SO hard but as I'm starting through to the other side of some of my trials I can definitely say that I'm grateful to have gone through them. Thanks so much for sharing!!

  18. Gina says

    Beautiful post Sarah! I know that we all go through things for a reason. We may wonder why at the time- but I have learned that the Lord teaches us things through certain experiences to prepare us for other things he has in store for us later on. Sometimes it's just his way of teaching us something he wants us to learn- making us into the person he wants us to be. You are doing a phenomenal job! These pictures are stunning by the way!

  19. WeeMason's Mom says

    So glad to hear the new direction you're taking your blog. I'm one of the people who come for the family updates etc and not the photos (which ARE spectacular, don't get me wrong) so I'm very excited to hear this!

  20. Jessica says

    love the new direction you are taking with the blog. I'm so glad you have found a way to feel supported through these tough times. I hope things only get easier for you and Carsyn.

  21. Alicia says

    Keep on chuggin' there, mama! I know all about trials and personal struggles and I, for one, can tell you how very worth it it can be if you allow yourself to push through the pain and get through to the other side. It is only by doing a little more than you ever thought you could that you will be able to make yourself stronger! And being a mom, you were already pretty strong to begin with! =)

  22. Amber says

    It is so wonderful to not only see your beautiful photos, but to hear you share your heart. Amen. Amen. Amen. "You are going through your trial so God can shape you and work through you." This truth is soooooo hard, especially when you are in the midst of it. Each time I am faced with a trial and I get frustrated, angry, etc. I think, "God, you know I am capable to preserving, so I will walk through it. Please, forgive my occasional attitude or frustration as I walk this road you have given me knowing that my deepest desire is to bring glory to Your name." I look forward to hearing more and pray that God will continue pouring hope, encouragement, and love into through your study and group time.

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