As my friend Melinda was helping set up my very first blog site (who says you can't teach old dogs new tricks:), I was trying to decide exactly how to start my very first blog; should I go back to the beginning and start there or like a well written movie start with current times and work my way back?  Hmmm.  While I contemplate that, let me first tell Melinda, my long-time friend, how much I appreciate her help, advice, love, friendship, humor, laughter and honesty.  Have you ever had someone like that in your life that just feels like your most comfortable jeans - no matter how long it's been, they always feel like they fit you perfect.  That's Melinda and my prayer today is that everyone that reads this is blessed enough to have a Melinda in their life too!
I've decided to start with what's happening currently and just let the words flow into past times.  Perseverance is one of those words that helps me feel strong, but at the same time brings memories of trials in my life - it gives multiple emotions.  
Hebrews 12:1-2 teaches us, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."  
You'll find that I will go to the scriptures many times because that is where my strength is built, where God speaks to my heart.  Not a fan of the bible?  Give me a chance to show you how it has helped my life and maybe, just maybe, you will find something that helps yours.
Last week I had the 17th major surgery in my 53 years of life.  No, I'm not a hypochondriac, nor am I masochistic liking pain; I've just had really tough physical issues that could have left me in a pit of despair.  But for the grace of God, go I.  I think there should be a texting shortcut that looks like "OG, OG" meaning Only God, Only God.  Dave and I say that a lot because we know that Only through God could we walk through such trials and still have our faith strengthened.  
The latest one, back surgery, held it's own challenges.  Let me tell you more about it when my resting time is over.