I Am Drawn To Them

Biology of Belief article:http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1879016,00.html

I read this article in my doctors office when I went to my check up on my knee this week. Reading this article gave me an overwhelming need to shout praises to God. Just a year ago, I would have read this article, and supported it 100%, forgetting all I was taught and raised up by a godly family to believe. As I am typing, with tears flowing, I am so humbled that Truth screamed victorious over my sinful pursuit to validation. And it breaks my heart as I continue to study psychology,to see these individuals come so close to Truth, but still blind. I ache for them to see Him because I remember. I remember the frustration, loss of hope, loneliness, and ANGER I felt so deeply within the core of my soul as I searched within myself. A search that I could not find rest, until I fell hard into His arms. I ache. I cry for them. Knowing what God has done, and learning each day, I know I have a responsibility to scream His Truth in the midst of the lies I once held as truth, so others will know Truth. Please pray for me as I continue to" listen for God to say go, hold back,love them, hold them, let go, leave them to Me" (Hannah) and eventually, I pray, well done.

This Semester

It has been a crazy couple of months.Notice the empty blog. Some may know of the pain of not being able to be by the love of your life daily. So you may be able to sympathize. Every day, I get caught up in my school work and ministry.Though lately, my ministry is purely online with girls all over the world with eating disorders. Hardest thing EVER to communicate through facebook, and not be able to hold them. All of this is done with a sense that something is missing. That something is my sweet Mark. He has been my encourager this semester. When I feel defeated, he boldly speaks Truth and fights the enemy alongside me. When I fear, He holds me tighter and says nothing but in silence the prayers in His heart. When I gain victory, He points me to the Lord.

It is so hard to be apart. I physically ache at points in the day in longing for him to be with me. Oh how I love him. After Thanksgiving, I went back to school to work on some stuff. Three hours after I had been there, I finally got back in my car and drove to him so I could be in his arms a little longer. Irrational? Yeah a little, but that’s what Mark does to me. For so many years, I have studied and disciplined myself to analyze all thoughts and actions. I tried with all my being to isolate all that was irrational and eliminate it, equipping myself to grow to a complete rationale being. The process hardened me. I began to see myself like a machine, rather than a human being with emotions. God has used mark in my life as an instrument to reprogram and rebute. From day one, my heart became transformed with the image of Christ in him. I saw His Love and Grace and I will never be the same. I love deeper and cry harder, and it’s good. I am alive and renewed and ready to walk down the aisle in complete vulnerability within the arms of my sweet Mark. Ready to say I do to all things ahead, becoming one, and proclaiming Christ to the end of our days.

Our engagement story

Mark here. Been a week since the big news so I figured it is about time to tell the story of our engagement!

Liz & I have discussed it before, so I had been looking for a good day to do it. After a couple of weekends didn't work out for various reasons, I decided last Friday (6/25) was the day! I started things in motion by calling her family on Tuesday night (6/22). I admit that was a little nerve wracking. There was no reason for it to be since I get along with all her family great and they love me....but still it is a pretty big question lol. So I talked with her Dad for about 20 minutes. After the first minute or so, the nerves were pretty much gone and it was all good. Great chat.

Then I called my folks. They were surprised, but in a good way. Then that was it. I told one friend the next day, but otherwise I kept it on the down low.

Flash forward to Friday. My plan during the week was to go over her place like normal, eat dinner out, and then propose after that. I was going to do it after dinner for two reasons: to be romantic and (most importantly) so it wouldn't be so hot lol. However when I noticed the temperature was only going to be in the low 80s that evening, I decided to do it before we ate dinner. I left work early, chilled at my folks' for a few until she was done babysitting, and then headed that way. Earlier in the day, I texted her and asked her if we could walk around down by the lake. I said we could walk for a few minutes before heading out. I said it was because I was tired and I needed to wake up. This was true, but obviously not the real reason hehe. So when I got there, I asked her if we could go on down there. She first thought that I meant The Harbor in Rockwall. I said nope and she was still good with it. Phew! So we started walking down to the lake.

Side note: I picked the lake to propose because when we were walking down there after one of our first dates, she said it was one of her favorite places. From that moment, I always knew it would be the place.

So back to the walk down to the lake. As we were walking and talking, I kept looking over at her to see if she was catching on to what I was doing. It appeared I was getting away with my surprise! We walked through a grass field and then to the walkway down by the marina. After a few minutes, we got to near the end of the walkway and a little part of the land that goes out into the lake (i.e. her favorite place). We talked for a second and then she mentioned us coming out here on one of our first dates. After that, I spun her around (Liz had to remind me of this, I don't even remember I did that lol) and then I said "Speaking of that, close your eyes". She did, I got down on one knee with the ring in a little glass slipper, said my thing and she said yes! I knew from the look in her eyes she was totally surprised, so this made me double happy : )

From there, we walked back and then went off to Chili's to celebrate. We picked there because that is where we had our first date.

So there you go! I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. I am super excited. I love you Liz!!!!

P.S. The pic below is our 1st pic after I proposed. Liz's next door neighbor took it with my cell phone.

Engaged!

Big news.....we are engaged!! More details later this week. Swof out.

Broke Again

This is completely random to my family and Mark, because I have kept trying to forget the hurtful words said to me this past year. Really it was at one time from multiple people, but now of course I question anyones sincerity. I have decided tonight, to move on. No more will I mourn over those hurtful relationships. The assumption that I am selfish and an attention seeker from what I have been through makes me sick. Not just because these words were from individuals I thought cared about me, but the fact that they most likely have these assumptions about anyone who struggles with anything they lack the maturity and insight to understand.

I give and give and give room for the people I love to grow and change and endure hardships. But not me, why I am I not allowed to be human? I'm sick of people, yet I cant help loving them. I hurt for them. But I just cant trust them anymore. I have Christ, Mark (the love of my life), and my family. Im good. I dont need fake love. I dont need people to ask me how I am and not really care, I dont need to be said hello to, if there is no worth of me in the individuals eyes. That is why I got rid of facebook. My love ones talk to me outside of that dimension. I dont want the others.

Conversation at Starbucks

This morning, I ran into my fifth grade teacher at Starbucks. Instead of running off to our list of things to do, we sat and chatted for bit. My favorite part of this conversation went like this:

Mrs. Ash: Im so proud of you, not surprised at all.

Me: awkward smile

Mrs. Ash: You are the strongest most hard headed child I have ever taught. I hope you held on to that. I punished you for it, yet never meant to take that away from you, only meant to help you direct it.

Me: lol...smiled

Mrs.Ash: Do you still run

Me: everyday, I have to.

Mrs.Ash:I remember at recess, you would run around the playground doing laps, you always did this on your quiet days, days you also did not eat lunch. I even talked to your father about it, because I saw something there. You were a very abnormal fifth grader.

Me:yeah...something. That will you speak of, is very strong. Running is more to me than most. Its my mind controlling my flesh. God has taught me to beat me body into submission to His will. Not mine.

Ash: Your passion still gives me chills. Again, you are the strongest willed child, now a woman. Elisabeth God has a will for you.

Me: smile and teared up.

My Mommy

Oh how I love my mommy! Mothers day was a weepy day, like most of the holidays this past year. At some points throughout this past year, I have longed for one family member more than the other. Certain scenarios stimulate different needs and desires which my loving family each meet differently. My father, makes me strong. I'm a fighter today, because he fought so hard for me. My brother brings wisdom and laughter into everything. James leads me and always has, being my big brother and all.WWJD, what would James do. This is not an easy task to accomplish if you know my personality. It is said I am stubborn and extremely strong willed. But it is the stubborn personality and strong will that saved my life. My little sisters, bring such a hope into my life. They have both been through so much in their little life, yet love so passionately.

My mommy, is the love, joy, peace, and understanding I long for in my future. There are lots of sweet young and old women I have met in my life. Some that have the chance to become self-actualized. None are as purely sweet, loving, and naive, lol, as my mommy. Most adorable woman you will meet in this life.

Our relationship can be seen as a battle. From day one, my mother fought for me. She had four miss carriages before me, yes I am a miracle, permission to be impressed : ). Growing up, I was so strong willed, that if she spanked me as hard as she could, I would look at her, smile and say that didn't hurt, though it did, daring her to try again. As I grew, the battle reached it's climax.Satan broke my will, and I was falling fast. My mommy, with her wisdom and love of Christ, broke through Satan's stronghold, and led me to the loving embrace of my Father. This past year, there has been definite battle of will. I had one side telling me one thing, my family telling me another, and Satan telling lies of both of them. God I could no longer hear. My mommy stepped in between them all and reminded me of the will God gave me. She always reminds me.

I love my mommy oh so very much, and miss her. But I have never been more proud of her.

I'm back!

Mark here. Just a short blog post to let you know I am indeed alive lol. Been a crazy few months and a super crazy last few weeks. Always busy during filing season, but especially this year with a new client. Filing season is not done yet, but it has slowed down a little.

Besides that, nothing too crazy going on. Just spending every possible free moment with Liz!! Ohh do I love her so much : ) That 100 things list she made - wow! I feel so humbled. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful girlfriend who is infinitely loving, beautiful, and simply amazing. I will be making my own 100 things list soon so I don't want to say too much more for now ; )

On another random note, I got a new phone! Well a replacement phone when mine stopped working lol. Here it is:



Well I am out of here for now. Longer post to come later. Swof out.

100 REASONS WHY I LOVE HIM!

1. He loves me so dearly more than anything.
2. He is my best friend, my alter ego
3. He is the one I dreamed of every night and think about each day.
4. He is truly a gift from God.
5. He has shown me my true self.
6. He is CUTE!!
7. He’s so proud of me.
8. He is a God fearing person that has a strong faith.
9. He will be a wonderful dad.
10. He respects me.
11. He is a true person.
12. He loves me without even thinking about it.
13. He believes in my talents.
14.He wants to read more about my struggles so he can be there for me and support me
15. He will follow me anywhere to make sure I am alright.
16. He always sends I love you messages everyday.
17. He loves to surprise me.
18. He loves me without make-up.
19. He lives everyday as if it is his last on earth to the fullest.
20. He has a very forgiving heart.
21. He is romantic.
22. He always makes me feel like a princess.
23. He never gives up on me.
24. He wishes to stay home with me 24 hous 7 days a week..
25. He has an awesome sense of humor.
26. He makes me laugh.
27. He holds the key to my heart.
28. He knows almost everything.
29. He sings beautifully.
30. He is the most intelligent man I have ever met.
31. He wants to grow old with me.
32. He will stand in the freezing cold and cheer me on in a half-marathon
33. He laughs at my corny jokes and funny moves.
34. He is a wonderful teacher of life.
35. He is so affectionate.
36. He has reachable goals in life.
37. He will give me anything I ask.
38. His eyes and his lips.
39. He gets along with my family and friends.
40. He keeps my deepest secret.
41. He makes sure I have everything I need
42. He takes complete care of me when I am sick.
43. He says the cutest things over and over and it never gets old.
44. He has great family values.
45. His natural smell.
46. He is a computer genius. Super!!!
47. He naturally smiles. Seriously, he does not know it, but he is always smiling.
48. He will cheer for my favorite team, just to make me smile.
49. He is an Aggie!
50. He can finish my sentences and somehow know what I was going to say
51. He is not embarrassed to call me pet names in front of others.
52. He calls me just to say I love you and how I am.
53. He isn’t afraid to tell me his feelings.
54. He isn’t ashamed to cry in front of me
55. He teaches me everything about computer and gadgets
56. He loves his family with a great deal of passion.
57. He pampers me.
58. He loves me in my most un lady like moments.
59. He is my strength and my weakness.
60. He saved me just before I crossed the line.
61. He is my inspiration.
62. He strokes my hair as I nap
63. He is my hero.
64. He is my stress ball.
65. He is my soul mate.
66. He can not stand silence…so cute.
67. His random noises

68. I feel safe in his arms.
69. His passion
70. How he holds me and leads me in crowds.71. I can be myself whenever I am with him.
72. I love the way he says baby to me.
73. I love the look in his eyes when he says “I Love You”.
74. I love laying my head on his bare chest and feeling his heart beat.
75. I still get butterflies when he kisses me.
76. I love to watch him sleep.
77. I love the way he wraps his arms around me and holds me tight.
78. I love the way he acts like my doctor
79. I love his voice over the phone.
80. I love his 5′10″ height
81. I love that he demands respect but isn’t controlling.
82. I love it when sings and dedicate it to me of course.
83. I love the way our bodies fit together when we dance.
84. I love the way he talks about our past years like it was yesterday.
85. I love how he wants to make up after a fight.
86. We can talk without speaking.
87. We can glance at each other from across the room and know what each other is thinking.
88. We plan our future together.
89. How he forgives me over and over when I do something wrong.
90. How he always puts me before himself.
91. How he isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
92. How he makes me feel when I think I am nothing.
93. He accepts Hanson as a part of our relationship...mmmbop
94. The way he holds my hands.
95. Listening to his stories of life.
96. The way he explains when I really don’t understand something.
97. Every time he looks at me my heart skips a beat.
98. Because he looks at me when he thinks I am not looking.
99. Because he protects me in any ways.
100.I know that if I die today I will see him again in Heaven and my life was better because of him.

Mark here. Been a few weeks since my last post. I have been busy at work etc.

Wanted to make a quick entry to mention that today is Liz and I's two month anniversary. Yay!! I will write a longer post later but needless to say, it has been an amazing two months! I have experienced a joy I never thought possible with a girlfriend. I love you Liz so much!!!!

That is all for now. More later this week. Swof out.

MmmBop

Yesterday I was looking through youtube for the old old songs that I used to listen to when I was in primary school… best-ness…

Among others there is one particular singer I will never forget…That’s Jordan Taylor Hanson… more known as Taylor, the middle sibling of the band Hanson. And of course, my favorite. When I was younger, I daydreamed about us Mmmboping through life together. But God had different plans for me. There is no one I would rather Mmmbop with than Mark Swofford. Taylor felt the same, got married and has four kids already (all with weird names by the way). It all worked out : )

You have so many relationships in this life
Only one or two will last
You go through all this pain and strife
Then you turn your back and they're gone so fast
And they're gone so fast
So hold on to the ones who really care
In the end they'll be the only ones there
When you get old and start losing your hair
Can you tell me who will still care?
Can you tell me who will still care?

Chorus:
Mmm bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du

Mmm bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, Ba du dop
Ba du bop, Ba du dop
Ba du

Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose
You can plant any one of those
Keep planting to find out which one grows
It's a secret no one knows
It's a secret no one knows

In an mmm bop they're gone.
In an mmm bop they're not there.
In an mmm bop they're gone.
In an mmm bop they're not there.
Until you lose your hair. But you don't care.


Can you tell me? You say you can but you don't know.
Can you tell me which flower's going to grow?
Can you tell me if it's going to be a daisy or a rose?
Can you tell me which flower's going to grow?
Can you tell me? You say you can but you don't know.

What I am thankful for

Mark here. Was trying to think of a blog topic and then I suddenly starting feeling really blessed. I thought: I should talk about all the things I am thankful / blessed to have. Good sometimes to just sit back and realize how much God has blessed us.
So here is a list of things I am thankful for:

Jesus Christ - First off, Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit. Without him, my life would not be the same. I try everyday to put him first in my life, and am thankful that he forgives me when I fail at that task many a time. Quite often as a Christian, we fail him & fall on our face. This happens more than we like to admit. But the reason God is #1 is that everytime we fall into that pit, we can know that as we look up his hand is always there to pick us back up. As my Sunday School teacher reminded us recently, nothing we can do will make him love us any less or more. From the moment we are saved, from that day forward, we can receive his full and wonderful love everyday. Praise be to him!

Liz - A new addition to the list but wow what an addition! I love this girl with all my heart and mind, and now I can't imagine life with her. She is my rock and my constant from day to day. She is the most amazing, beautiful, sweet, caring, loving, smart girlfriend I could ask for and is better than I could ever imagine is possible. Will expand on Liz in a future post to come soon....because otherwise this section would be really, really long : )

My family - All my family is amazing but this goes out especially to Mom, Dad, Tim, and Nikki. I love you guys more than I can ever express. I have gotten so used to having such a great family....that I forget not everyone has such good luck. They have been there through the good and bad (and good and bad jokes lol), and I am so grateful for them. As I think on this, sending special prayers out to those whose family situations are not so great and praying God puts a special hand on those people.

Friends - To all my friends, I am so grateful for being with me for the laughing and the crying....and the craziness and stupidity lol. From the friends I've had since high school, to my church friends, to work friends, to new friends, to Facebook/Twitter friends even! Everyone has meant something to me in their own special way, and I am so thankful for all of them. Wouldn't trade them for anything!

The Byrd family - Even though I have know them only a short time, they have been a blessing in my life. And this even though I have only met 4 out of the 6 on Skype lol. (James & Liz are the lucky in person members!) I can see the love of family and the love of the Lord in their lives, and can't wait to meet the Greg, Kim, Lottie, and Emma in real life someday soon!

America - I think people, like myself, who have lived in the USA their whole life forget how great we have it. Are we are a perfect country? Of course not. But I love this country and don't have any urge to leave. I heard Rush Limbaugh say once that can you think of many other country that has only been around 230 years....and risen to such a position as ours. Does that mean other nations are bad or that you can't live wonderful lives in another country? Again of course not. But for me, I am proud to be an American! As an American, I love our Constitution, Bill of Rights, democracy, freedom (religion, speech), voting, political discourse, and natural beauty. I'm sure I am forgetting some things, but those are some reasons.

Church - I am so grateful for First Baptist, the worship experienced there, and all the people I have met throughout the years. From friends to Sunday School teachers to just random church members....and of course the love of my life, Liz : ). I have been in different classes with different teachers and all have blessed me in their own unique way. Each and every service, worship time, musical etc is a gift from God. And also to the churches I have visited over the years, thank you for your blessings of worship.

And for now for some things I am thankful for that are little more light hearted:
Disney & Walt Disney World - How can you not love Disney World?!
Disney fan community - From websites, to podcasts, to books, to magazines...all informative and some of the nicest people you will meet in the online universe.
TV - While I understand how it has led to less exercise, less social interaction etc....man there are some good shows!
Sports - Something to watch/experience that requires no thought if you so desire.
Free roads - I have to take two toll roads to get into Rockwall. Weak.
Air conditioning - Two words: Texas summer

That's all I got for now. Hope you enjoy. Swof out.

God's Will vs Mine

I was raised to be strong. I was raised to follow a strong Lord. Off on my own though, I have trailed on a path that has led me to be in a continuous battle with my flesh. I woke up around 4 this morning, and have been searching for versus to battle my will. I need to redirect my strong will to the course God has predestined me to follow. The spirit led me till two this afternoon, to these verses of truth that I have read before, and are even highlighted in my bible. My struggles are not a matter of ignorance, but the lack of ability for me to release control. Here they are:

· "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" John 14:6

· "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord.
'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

· "Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways." Psalm 128:1

· "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14

· "... whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father...." Mark 8:36-38

· "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

· "You meet him who rejoices and does righteousness, who remembers You in Your ways." Isaiah 64:5

· "But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die.
"Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair? When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies. Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair?Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,' says the Lord God." Ezekiel 18:24-30

· "And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

· "But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me.
So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels.
Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways!
I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries." Psalm 81:11-14

· "For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways.’" Psalm 95:9

· "Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.
Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways,
As a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God.
They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching God.
'Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?
Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’" Isaiah 58:1-3

· "You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words.
I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word.
I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies." Psalm 119:57-59

· "To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You....
Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day." Psalm 25:1-5

· "Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land;" Psalm 37:34

· "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence." 1 Corinthians 1:27-30

· "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7

· "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud." Proverbs 16:18-19

· "...for men to search their own glory is not glory." Proverbs 25:27

· "...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.... And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2

· "I say... to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly...." Romans 12:1-3

· "...be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

· "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:5-8

· "When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments... lest when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them... your heart is lifted up ....then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’...

· "...you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth....Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 8:10-20

· "For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:16-17

· "'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9