Trials and Idle Hands

My friends be glad, even if you have trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.  James 1:2-4 CEV

 I love reading the Bible. Admittedly, I am not in the Word as often as I should be, or would like to be; however, often when I am reading God's word, He never fails to speak to my heart. He reminds me that He knows my situation and circumstances and that He cares. Lately I've been having struggles with frustration, impatience and even anger with my current circumstances. It seems that it is taking forever for me to heal and recover from my surgeries. It's only been a little less than 2 months since my second surgery, but did I mention that I'm impatient? I want to be out in my garden weeding and harvesting. I want to be able to serve my family instead of having to call on them to help me. I want to be able to play with my children and spend time with my husband. Instead, I'm having to ask my kids, husband and other family members to do for me. I get tired out quickly and feel sore often. I feel trapped in my own body!

Now, I truly know that I could be so much more worse off. I could have lost both ovaries with the hysterectomy, I could have gotten severe infections from either of the surgeries, etc. I could have a husband that was not supportive and didn't step up to the plate for our family the way my dear Hubby did and on and so forth. It's just hard sometimes to remember how blessed I am when I'm stuck in the pit of self pity. And that is where I find my self all too often lately.

 So, I'm taking this verse to heart. I realize that James was speaking to the early Christians who were facing persecution, but the beauty of the Bible is that it's words are timeless truths. What was true for God's people thousands of years ago, is true for His people today. If you or a loved one is feeling similar to me, then I encourage you to pray that the Lord will give you peace and joy in your present circumstances.

Always be joyful, and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 CEV

Now, onto the "Idle Hands" portion of the post. As the days have gone by, I found myself at the computer, playing Farmville and other facebook games when I needed to rest. This was not helpful or productive. It made me feel restless and empty. So last Monday I went in to town to see what I could find that I could do to keep my hands productively busy, but that didn't require too much money or paraphernalia. I do make jewelry, but that entails boxes of beads and tools, etc. Not easy to travel to the Rec. with or quick to pick up. While cruising around the craft store I found a plastic canvas purse form. So I got that and some yarn needles and looked for a skein of yarn that was pretty and cheap. Hooray! I found a pretty variegated variety that was on clearance. Here are the results so far:

I got a bit bored working on the purse, so I decided to start on a small project that an be finished quickly. (I'm a very instant gratification crafter!) I'm making a key chain that has a dual purpose. Not only is it pretty, but it will hold a stash of emergency cash and phone numbers. I will show how to make these in a post soon. I'm going to finish working on the purse and then start making the Emergency Key Chains for Christmas gifts.

And now, because it's my blog and I can do what I want {smile!} I have more kitten pictures!!!

Many blessings,

Kelly