Patience

Streams in the Desert is the devotional guide I am reading. It is such a great devotional; I would definitely recommend it if you need a good one.

In todays reading, it really hit home. It was talking about obstacles that are hinderances to our spiritual growth and how we so often are impatient for them to go away. However, these obstacles are the very thing which produce the gift and quality of character we pray for--one of the main ones being pateince. And the only way to acquire these gifts and character traits are to endure the trials adn overcome obstacles which seem unbearable. I must remember that God is in control and nothing is impossible for Him. I need to stop running away, submit to God, and trust He will help me overcome these trials.

My trials and obstacles:

1. Living with the in-laws

2. Not having a home

3. Not being in control of the house I live in

4. Not serving in Peace Corps already

5. Not being in school

6. Having all "my stuff" in storage

7. Leaving for Peace Corps soon

8. Comparing myself to others

9. Failing to see the real me--the one God created

10. Not really knowing who I am

These are some of the marjor things that cause me to be impatient, snippy, angry, jealous, and generally disgruntled with life. I am aware of all this, but I haven't really taken any steps to deal with it. I just blow up and things seem okay for awhile and then it all builds up again. Maybe now that I am "publicly" acknowledging my need to trust God to handle, I will be able to let some of it go or at least have the strength to push through.

Here I go. God, save me!

Green Update

I haven't really talked about anything green we have done lately. However, our compost is looking so rich and black. Nick's parent recently used some sompost soil to plant flowers. The flowers are looking fantastic despite the lack of rain we've had. Also we have a tomato plant growing out of the compost pile. No tomatoes yet but the plant is looking good.

In the garden, tomatoes are coming in. I haven't had any turn red yet, but I am expecting that any day now. The hot peppers are coming in like crazy!! I have used several peppers in recipes--spaghetti sauce, pico de gallo, and cilantro rice. We had a watermelon start growing but it shriveled up and turned black. I think the vine is still all immature to grow the melon to full size.

Also I think I have mentioned Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap before, but I just wanted to reiterate how awesoem this soap is. I use it for so much--shampooing, bathing, moping, washing clothes, and dishes. It is seriously some of the purest most versatile soap one can use. And it cost pennies compared to buying laundry detergent, dish detergent, shampoo, conditioner, bathroom cleaner, and bath soap/body wash. I wish everyone would just try this soap; I really believe you would be converted.