"You can choose to see a trial as a roadblock or an expressway. If you see it as a roadblock, it will obstruct your way. However, if you see it as an expressway, you can use it to learn and grow." "The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan whereby we can become what God wants us to become. In fact, we become great people because of our trials, not in spite of them." This booklet reviews the nature, origins, and purposes of adversity and includes suggestions on how to patiently trust in the Lord and His eternal plan and how to use these trials to learn and grow stronger. You can benefit from your trials if you: Develop a relationship with God Let others help you Let God carry your burdens Trust that the Lord is in control and allow His will to be done Remember that everyone has challenges Let adversity make you a better person Live with integrity Be patient Make the best of your situation Serve others Keep a positive attitude Keep an eternal perspective

Are there different degrees of faith? Does faith always prove itself only through action? James provides powerful, practical answers to timeless questions of the Christian faith, including teaching on how to gain wisdom, prevent hypocrisy, and control the tongue.

Nothing in this life is permanent, and our strength is constantly being tested by trials. Yet Allah is there for us when we need Him: our prayers to Him help us see that life is an awesome gift. This book’s verses ponder the difficulties of life and how we can accept them through faith. They mingle sincere personal reflection with an awareness of the simplicity and beauty of a life lived well. “The sincerity in the writing is not a dead weight of seriousness, but is the life behind the poems. Jo Shan has presented a personal view on her faith that is quite interesting in a world where others often have very simplified views of Islam.” Stiofán Ó Maoilbhreannain, Editor, Occam’s Eraser, Dublin, Ireland POEMS are short phrases but contain powerful messages. Those who write them should know and those who read them could feel. Jo Shan shares her thoughts about what it is to OVERCOME, ACCEPT, REFLECT, ENCOURAGE, and EULOGIZE on the challenges of becoming a Muslim, especially for someone like her who meets Islam and thereafter decided to embrace it as her life’s destiny. Her collection of poems, penned under the title BLESSINGS BEHIND LIFE’S TRIALS bears testimony to her journey in discovering how Islam makes all the sense to her in her human meaning and becoming. Yamin Cheng, Lecturer in Usuluddin and Comparative Religion, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia Seeking success for the next world as a believer in this world is a constant struggle fraught with seemingly endless tribulations. Sister Jo Shan’s evocative poetry brings words of peace and comfort in this tumultuous world and reminds us that the struggle may be hard, but the guidance and strength of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala is there for us. In poems such as Imperfection and Ring the Changes, she meets the challenges of the world (dunya) and casts them back, reminding us of their ephemeral nature. She brings us back to the ultimate meaning of our struggle. In poems such as Love in Life and Life Mark, she reminds of the many blessings we already receive from the Almighty. These blessings are at times too easily dismissed in a hectic world, but Sister Jo Shan’s poems cry out to us not let go of the many generous gifts that Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala has graciously bestowed upon us all. This anthology will gladden your heart and speak to you of the peace and solace that await, Insha’Allah. Leo Schmitt, Assistant Director, International Student Support Center, New York University, USA

Are you going through a storm in your life? Has it overwhelmed you to the point that you have no joy? Jimmy Foster, in his book In the Upper Room, takes you into the Upper Room the night of the last supper. Jesus, while preparing for his own death, understands that his disciples are about to face the greatest trial they have ever encountered. He spends his time with them trying to prepare them for what will be the testing of their faith. The words he spoke that night can give direction, offer comfort, and produce joy as we face the trial of our lives. It takes spending a little time In the Upper Room.

Researchers in all clinical fields are fully aware of the importance of Quality of Life measurements in judging the efficacy of a given treatment. Psychological criteria play an important role in this evaluation. Assessment of Quality of Life in Clinical Trials: methods and practice explores the current state of the art and illustrates the benefits and potential of health related quality of life assessment in clinical trials. It covers a wide range of analytical issues, emphasizing new and innovative approaches that are of practical and clinical importance.