Suffering

  So many people will say that God causes suffering for a reason, or people are quick to point out that “something good will come from this” but I’ve always been unsatisfied with that notion. Logically, if everything happens for a reason, and if God is in control, that could also mean that Hod is making us suffer, which is cruel. How can that jive with the notion that God is Love?

I do know, and have experienced, that good can eventually come from hardship and suffering. But that doesn’t really help when one is in the midst of it all, and certainly not when one looks to the future and sees no end of the suffering. 

People say trust that God will provide, but if I don’t trust, will he not provide? Will he not heal if I don’t pray the right prayers, or often enough? Do my little actions determine how God will respond to me? To others? Is prayer just a way to try to manipulate God into doing what I want?

These are my current thoughts. 

Positive affirmations

  There are a hundred or more books and videos and podcasts, etc, extolling the virtues of positive affirmations, positive thinking, mindfulness, you name it. I get it. Even the Bible says to set you mind on things that are true, good, wholesome, on things above. I’ve given this a lot of brain-time, 

too. I know that it works for me. I also know that one of my core traits is that I’m an optimist, I want to/tend to/ need to look on the bright side of things. I’ve also read that people like me thrive when not in daily contact with negativity. My response to negativity is to try to inspire the people around me to also be mindful, recite affirmations, look at the good side of things even in times of despair. 

In that vein, here are three beautiful and wonderful things from this morning:

1. I got some chores done. 

2. The sun is shining brilliantly. 

3. Rosie, now 20 years old, who was yerpy yesterday, is NOT yerpy today. (Picture shows Rosie, my sweet, old girl, curled up sleeping)

#rosie. #threebeautifulthings

Book from Mom

 I’m incredibly fortunate. Not only is my mom a kind and loving woman, but I’m lucky to still have her around. And we’re close, even though we’re very different people. One thing we share, though, is a life of faith in God. We are both following the ways of Jesus, albeit in different ways. 

So anyway, she sent me a book that they just finished studying at her church. The Scars that have Shaped Me by Vaneetha Rendall Risner.  Looks decent. I started it this morning (couldn’t sleep).  

First quote to remember: scars are signs of healing. 

More later. 

Finished projects and dress shots

 I’ve really been grooving on color work this season. Loving the patterns by Hunthandknits. Just finished the Cecropia and I think I’ll keep it for myself! 

And a few more dress pictures. It’s cool enough here now that I’m digging into my scarf drawer!

Christmas with the dress

 

Dress pictures are boring. Not deciding everyday what to wear =priceless. 

Dec13-16

 

Dress dress dress 👗

 

Look! I added a vest!

Leggings and a shawl. 

Accessorized with slippers. 

More dress photos Dec2-7

 I don’t style much because i don’t go out much. But you’ll see s few things here. I took one in the plane but  it didn’t save  

“Don’t buy my I’m tired”

Slippers and tree. 

Pincha scarf and tree

Cowl

Cotton towel/shawl/throw.