On Good Friday, a good friend of mine and her sister were taken home to be with The Lord. It was a shock to most and an incredible loss to all. I think I can speak for many when I say Kelsey was an incredible human being and nobody understood why this had to happen to such a good person. On the way home from Kelsey's funeral, I was listening to 94.1 as I do 90% of the time when I'm driving. In the midst of yelling at God, I overheard the radio cast reading James 1:2-4.

James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

WOW! Isn't it so amazing that even in our darkest moments, God assures us that He has a reason. We were not promised a life without trials and God knows why. And I'm sure He also knows when, how and where. There are no ifs, ands, or buts, when it comes to Him. Just greater plans.

James 1:2 says, "count it all joy." I have to be completely honest, "counting it all joy" is not my typical first reaction. My first reaction is normally a few curse words and a whole lot of bitterness. But in James, we're told to count it all joy in any trial. "Count it all joy" literally means to be joyful in the midst of brokenness.

Count it all joy when you lose your job. Count it all joy when you go through a really tough breakup. Count it all joy during exam week. Count it all joy when you've gained a couple pounds. Count it all joy when someone ate the leftovers you were saving. Count it all joy when you experience death.

Most importantly, count it all joy when it seems that there is no joy around.

Kelsey and Karli's mother said it best when she said, "I'd like to think God took them so you will focus." Steadfastness. Being fixed in the direction of Him! Do y'all get it yet? We're put through trials so that we will focus on Him and trust Him.

There hasn't been a day since her death that I haven't thought about Kelsey. Sometimes we get Goliath's put in front of us so that we are able to find the David within ourselves. Every day is a new kind of broken, but even on the hard days, I can count it all joy because I know God is working in and through me.