"life is good" ... sometimes I wonder if I over-use that phrase...if I've watered it down till all it's meaning has been replaced by empty noises patched together into some sort of coherent phrase.  The situation hasn't changed, but God is so so good...just the different ways He is able to lift you out of even the deepest ravines, the very depths of your mind, from the seas of desparation and hopelessness...He can put you back on your feet with courage and hope.  So trust Him.  Don't fight Him.  I find it so easy to wallo in my own self pity and to give up.  But it really doesn't have to be that way! 
   Rough times come.  I knew that.  I know that.  And for the longest time I've wondered how I would handle it.  But how can you prepare for the unknown?  Do you just harden your heart and become cold to anything thrown your way?  That doesn't work...  We'll all be tested at one point.  We'll all be pushed to some edge.  But the thing to remember is that you'll get through it.
   Time forces us to get through things whether we like it or not.  How will you handle it?  Will you be standing at the other end?  That's only our decision.  God's right there offering His help.  He'll carry you!  Just let yourself be swept up.  I think that's one of the hardest things for me.  I don't like to carried.  I don't like to lean on anybody else.  You guys have your own challenges and hardships and I don't want to add to that.  I'd rather be helping you out.  But then I forget that God isn't limited like us.  If there's anyone I can lean on it's God.  And I'm so thankful you've all been there to remind me of that.  Your guys' smiles, encouraging words, laughter...just you being you, is a constant reminder of God's goodness.  So yeah, I feel better.  For once it's almost hard to stay in the pits.  Besides what's the point?  God is with you.  What else matters?  Yeah, there is a time for sorrow and yeah we'll feel low.  But at least take comfort that we really can handle challenges more strongly than we know cause you're not alone in it.  You've got family and friends surrounding you.  And most importantly our Father above watching over us.
    So yeah, "life is good" ...always...  I'll always hold onto that.  if anything, one of the biggest things God has taught me this semester is that life aint so bad.  We will always face challenges so why worry.  Just tackle the tasks at hand with diligence and a joyful heart.  smile!

Looking back on my life
I see times of hope, times of fear, and times of joy
this place from everything I know
I place my life in your hands
looking back on my life
I see times of peace, times of war, and times of rest
this place from everything I know
I rely on the promises you've made
and when my world crashes I know that you'll be here
nothing can take that away
walk with me, talk with me
pray with me, stay with me
leading me closer today
looking back on my life
I every gift from you is a gift of love
when all I have is yours
the trust between us only grows and grows
and when my world crashes I know that you'll be here
nothing can take that away
walk with me, talk with me
pray with me, stay with me
leading me closer today

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction
by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the
glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations,
knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven
character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because
the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy
Spirit who was given to us." - Romans 5:1-5

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to
His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which
is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for
you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you greatly rejoice, even
though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by
various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than
gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result
in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though
you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but
believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of
glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your
souls."- 1 Peter 1:3-9

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, for when he has stood the
test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who
love him." - James 1:12

I pray that my heart will hold fast to God's truth...thanks I needed these...
it's in moments like these that truth pierces your heart...
it's in moments like these that truth is all you have to cling to...
It's in moments like these that we grow...
It's in moments like these that we are broken down, but rebuilt...
It's in moments like these that we let ourselves be carried...
It's in moments like these that I realize I can't do it alone...
it's in moments like these that I realize I'm not alone...
it's in moments like these that ...

Another rainy day
I can't recall having sunshine on my face
All I feel is pain
All I wanna do is walk out of this place
But when I am stuck and I can't move
When I don't know what I should do
When I wonder if I'll ever make it through

I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
Your the one that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That's the only way that I'll find healing

Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing

Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing

Oh You're everything I need
And I gotta keep singing