Difficulty for blessing.

Understand why? Not a chance!

Suffering shows you for who you really are.

Joy in all circumstances. Maybe not delightful, but joyful.

You know how awhile ago I posted about asking for trials? Well I’ve got them now. (Not the trials I was quite imagining, but when do you ever expect what God throws your way?) This semester is going to be quite the interesting time. I’ve been trying to write more in a journal of sorts. A place where I can really throw out all my pent up feelings. Quite lovely. I’m still not the magnificent journaler, but I’m trying. That’s why I haven’t been posting quite as often. I have three major studio classes. And I’m debating about what to do for the summer. I am contemplating staying here and taking pictures at a camp. This would mean that I could pay for the mac that I am required to get for next semester by myself and not have to worry about it, and then with the “extra money” give some of it to mom and dad to help pay for some of tuition.

I was looking at some old sermon notes from camp and it was talking about frustrations. Sudden riches are not the cure. Everything suddenly being perfect is not the cure either. Frustration is:

• Things you want but don't have
• Things you can't control
• Not getting your own way

It mentioned Philippians 4:4-11.Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.

It’s hard to obey God and be frustrated. I am often very frustrated with my schoolwork. If I offered my time up to God (and less to facebook) and focused more on my projects and showing glory to God through them, perhaps I will be less frustrated. Sure I might still stay up until three every morning. But the quality of my work just might improve. Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good.” The God of the universe is on MY side. I need to give up my own ideas and thoughts to him. Completely. Hebrews 12:2 says to fix our eyes upon Jesus. He should be our only thought. We are also not to covet. I so often am jealous of the work my fellow students are doing and thinking that it comes effortlessly to them.

Godliness with contentment is great gain.