I am a 'fix it' personality, generally in relation to something that's bothering me. If I don't like it, I want to change it, whatever the 'it' is. That I should change my attitude or behavior is usually last in my thinking, if at all.

But much of what happens to us in this life is beyond our personal, individual power to change. Our only recourse is in how we choose to respond. I don't know about you all, but for me, it is always easier to see how someone else ought to change!

The Bahá'í Faith, like core religion in general, is intensely concerned with developing personal character and spirit. It defines this life as an immersive learning environment. That perspective changes tests and difficulties from punishments to evaluation tools. The same tests keep returning until we master them.

The latest article from the Baha'i site at BellaOnline.com has some quotes that you might find useful, too.

Bahá'í Words of Comfort in Times of Trouble
Disaster, disease, disappointments, unhappy surprises...these make up the world today--or at least, I'm noticing them of late. The Bahá'í Faith has guidance during times of trouble.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art30074.asp

For more on the subject of tests and stress, follow the links at the bottom of the page, or visit bahai.bellaonline.com.

To participate in free online discussions, stop by the community forum about the Baha'i Faith located here -

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=321

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!

It is always okay to pass this message along to family and friends.

Cheryll Schuette, Baha'i Editor
http://bahai.bellaonline.com

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