Oh, I never thought of it that way. I did a study on James a few months ago. I think James was talking more about building faith through persevering in doing right, but I can see what the pastor means. I think probably, trials can accomplish both things. They certainly reveal character, because when you're ground down, and stressed out, scared, angry, hurt, and whatever else, filtering out the ugly bits is easily re-filed way down to the bottom of the priority heap. But, I also think how we choose to deal with the trials *can* build character, if we choose well. Before I go all Whistler the-big-moments-are-gonna-come it's-what-we-do-after that-counts, I'll stop. *g*

And even though we've split up, we're still each other's biggest fans, if that makes sense.

It makes perfect sense. I agree with Cindy. It's wonderful that you guys have been able to keep that fondness, through everything you've been through.

I also wanted to comment on Aimee's bridesmaid's dress. That's craziness, girl! Absolute craziness!

Cindy, how did things go yesterday?

I'm back at work. Such an exciting life I lead. Today at work I will write my paper that is due on Tuesday and fill out more paperwork. The paperwork on today's menu? Medicare. Whoo! At least I get a nice break today - lunch with Theodosia and Ellen S. That will be so nice.

Where is everyone? I need entertaining!

::tap dances around beth's pretty wood floor::

Just for you, vw.

beth, whoever put carpeting on that beautiful floor ought to get an infestation of Box Elder beetles in the brain. Yeesh.

And, I have a guilty secret. I covet the bitch thigh highs.

Thanks, Sail! I appreciate it greatly.

My Medicare paperwork took about 30 seconds to fill out. At this rate, I'm gonna have all my work done by 10am. Then what am I gonna do all day???

/me juggles flaming chainsaws for vw (and anyone else who needs it)

EEK! That sounds dangerous, WindSparrow! Be careful!

Irish step dances with the cat for vw's amusement.

Timelies!

No worries, vw - I temped as a clerical type person (with no typing ability) for several years - I can handle this.

I'd like to chime in with billytea to say that breaking away from a toxic family takes extreme courage and strength, but is necessary for their victim's personhood and sanity. Which isn't necessarily the least bit helpful for P-C's situation, because your parents may well be of the non-toxic variety. The hard thing is knowing if one's own family are toxic or not - made harder still by the fact that what is toxic for one person is just what another person needs.

/me hugs all around

Sometimes people are toxic. Sometimes, issues are just difficult. There's a big disconnect between how P-C's parents were raised to think of courtship, love and marriage, and their expectations thereof, and western ideas on it. Neither is wrong or right. They're just different. But as much as they raised P-C, he was raised *here*.