Romans 8:18-27

Have you ever felt so frustrated you are at a loss for words? Of course you have. Its something that everyone experiences. However, I have never felt it this intense before. What do I do? What would the Lord do with frustration? What is an appropriate response to frustration?

So I was reading Romans 8 and I came to this passage. I think its fitting for all struggles but such and encouragement to me tonight.

v. 18-21

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought unto the glorious freedom of the children of God."

It's encouraging to know that we will be free from all of this frustration and suffering. God's glory makes up for far more than we could EVER imagine!

v. 22-23

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."

What does it mean by groan inwardly? My first thought is that we keep these frustrations in our hearts and instead of taking them to people, take them to God. Is this a correct thought?

V. 24-27

"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."

I love the words that are used here.

Weakness, we are weak but we are lifted up by the Spirit who provides us with the awesome strenth the Lord is offering to us.

Patience, I desperately hope for a more patient heart, a heart that waits!

Hope, I think hope is powerful. It shows faith and a positive view on what the Lord is setting our paths with.

Please, anyone who has thoughts, my heart will greatly appreciate what you have to say or suggestion of any other passages in His word to read.

Taking My Mind Off SomeThings By Sewing

When I was in third grade my mom was teaching me my times tables. I was having a very difficult time. She thought it would help me if she gave me an incentive: A brand new sewing machine. Once I learned 1x1 to 12x12 I earned it! I made my first pair of coolots and a matching scrunchy. Oh it makes me cringe what I wore and made, but
in anyway I made them all on my own (With moms help of course).

Well with spending a lot of alone time this week, I am trying to distract myself from many things. I decided to make a cell phone case for my new iphone. I kept looking on line for patterns and I went to Joannes to find a very pretty fabric. This is what I came up with.

The inspiration

There is a pocket in the front of the
case for my headphones.

I bought this button with in a pack of four for only $ 0.25!


I hand sewed the button hole, which I have to say
I am the most proud of, I think!

I am really excited I finished this project. I hope that I can make another case with the other pretty fabrics too!

Great Danes

He likes to cuddle

He likes to give kisses

Zeuz

Boaz

So, for the past week I have been dog sitting for these amazing dogs. Let me just begin by telling you "I am NOT a dog person!" I can live without the slobber and the shedding hair. I can live without the greasy hair and the wet noses in my face. I can also live without the smelly farts. But these dogs have been so incredible! GREAT DANES

Boaz is the dad. He is smaller than his son (about 130 lbs) and a lot more mellow. His eyes are old but so gentle. He loves to cuddle. On Sunday night I was laying in the recliner watching TV and Boaz put his front paws on the end of the recliner and walked himself right up next to me. I looked like i was sitting next to a horse!

Zeuz is the son. He has a body that is really built (150 lbs) and his eyes droop a little bit. He looks sad but is always playful. When I was brushing both of them today, Zeuz took his nose and nudged me because I apparently was not giving him enough attention.

So when I am by myself, in this big empty house, I don't feel so lonely and scared of the dark. I have two great big dogs taking care of me!

Living by myself has been a nice experience. I love hosting, but I love coming home to someone waiting for me. I don't think I will ever live by myself. I appreciate the company and feel much safer and loved when I am with people.

However, the things I have learned is a blessing, such as: Cleaning the house and keeping it tidy, going grocery shopping on a budget, taking care of two animals (somewhat like a baby), being a happy and gracious hostess or servant.