Annie Grimm’s Neighborhood

Godslove

We should not trust in ourselves but in God. —2 Corinthians 1:9
Job was enjoying life. He was unaware that only a hedge separated him from disaster (Job 1:9-10). When God removed that hedge and allowed Satan to test Job, his life exploded (vv.13-19).

Many believers live in circumstances where it seems as if God, for some reason, has removed His hedge of protection. Others, also for reasons unknown, live in relative calm, seemingly unaware of their fragile existence. Like Job’s friends, they assume that nothing bad will happen unless they do something to deserve it.

As we learn from Job, however, God sometimes allows bad things to happen to good people. Although disaster can strike at any moment, nothing has the power to destroy those who trust Christ (2 Cor. 4:9). No disaster can separate us from God's love. God's love still stands when all else has fallen.

I'm nearly finished with my first project using my 10" Authentic Knitting Board. (Yes, I bought the 10" as well as the 28".) I'm using Berroco Vintage Yarn, which is a wool/acrylic blend, and a simple ribbed wrapping. The one little complaint I have about the yarn is that it snags quite a bit. I keep having small strands stuck on the knitting board pegs and then I have to carefully figure out where they belong and do that peg over. Other than that, it's a very soft, slightly worn-out yarn that is really warm and cozy. I'll post pictures of it later, as it is a Christmas present.

I've spent the past two weeks thinking about rigid heddle looms after visiting Susan Johnson's Alavanche Looms workshop way out in the backwoods of Wisconsin. It's worth the drive. Not only is she an extremely talented weaver, the store is beautiful and chock full of cool goodies. Susan chatted with me about weaving and got me wondering if I should give a loom a try. But then that led to another week of thoughts about somehow obtaining a rectangle loom to do continuous weave scarves and shawls... And then that led to yet another fascination: Peg Looms.

I've never heard of peg loom or stick weaving until I happened across a Ravelry discussion, but it appears to be a very old form of weaving, mainly used for making rugs. Although there are some peg loom sellers in the UK, I haven't spotted a US seller as of yet. However, there are instructions out there, so perhaps, with a little bit of patience, I could piece one together.

Here are some peg loom links: How to make a peg loom; How to use a peg loom; Examples of peg loom weaving.

Hello Vox family & friends:  I know I haven't been here lately.  Too much has been going on to keep me busy, thus limiting my computer time.  But, I have a little bit of free time today and wanted to share this with you all.  I really love her (Jennifer Rothschild) and she has such a precious spirit about her........and, I do "wonder" at her abilities & all that she accomplishes since she is blind.  She does "amaze" me.  And, it makes me feel ashamed of myself,  because I sometimes allow my health circumstances limit what I do or accomplish for a day.   Hmmm-mmmm, guess I need to
re-evaluate myself and what can I accomplish..........do enjoy what follows:

What God Has Been Teaching Me Lately

Romans 12:10 "Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other."
We serve others "with the ability which God supplies that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:11).
When we show love and compassion in simple, practical ways, we are a part of God's ministry to His people. We show our love for God when we love His family.

Christiandangerous

1 Peter 4:16 "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

One October morning in 2006, a woman and her six children were forced to witness an attack on their husband and father. His assailants tried to force him to deny Jesus but he refused. He continued to proclaim Christ as Lord and died praying for his family. The family is determined to follow Christ, even in their grief.

Another man was sentenced to 3 years in prison for allegedly insulting another religion. He’s an outspoken Christian with a passion for Christ. He and his wife and children continue to be faithful and refuse to deny Him.

Persecution for the Christian faith is as real in our world as it was for the Jewish believers in the early church to whom Peter wrote. He prayed, “May the God of all grace, . . . after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. These prayer points from Open Doors USA, a ministry that’s committed to encouraging persecuted Christians, can help guide us as we pray:

• Pray for the safety and faith of the secret believers in countries where it is illegal to share about Christ.

• Pray for the health, perseverance, and encouragement of believers who are imprisoned for the gospel.

• Pray that those whose loved ones have died due to martyrdom will rely on God for their strength.

Ephesians 5:2 "Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave Himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ's love for you was like sweet perfume to Him."
Paul said, "The Lord is grieved when we ignore His teaching and live our own way" (Ephesians 4:30-5:2).

DISCERNER OF THE HEART

Read Hebrews 3 - 4

...exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 

Hebrews 3:13 NKJV

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            Writing to his audience of Jewish Christians, the author of Hebrews reminds them of the penalty of unbelief. The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they did not believe God. “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest.

(4:2-3a)

            The rest that comes to the children of God in our day is through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In our struggle against sin, He is the one who gives us rest.  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

* * *

                        Lord, I come to you today bowing before your throne to find grace to help in my time of need.

* * *

            For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.     Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

Galations 6:7 "Don't be misled; remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it; a man will always reap just the kind of crop he sows!"
We can't expect to experience the fruit of God's blessings if we don't recognize the importance of doing our part. Are you weary of the way you are? Ask God for His help and begin sowing seeds of new actions and responses today. In due season the Spirit will give the increase. The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we'll reap tomorrow!

2 Timothy 2:21 "If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold - the very best in the house - so that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes."
What is filling the vessel of my life? Is it a bitter attitude that leads to foolish disputes and strife, or is it a sweet spirit that leads to righteousnous, faith, love, and peace?"
We can hallow today, and every day, by setting ourselves apart for God to be used by Him.

Attitude_1024

Proverbs 17:17 "A true friend is always loyal and a brother is born to help in time of need."
Paul said "Only Luke is with me" (2 Timothy 4:11). There are runners (ones who leave you) and standers (ones who stay with you). Luke was a stander. Paul was very comforted to know he was not alone, as he awaited death.
Rather than being concerned with what kind of friends we have, we ought to consider what kind of friends we are. When people we know face trouble, what kind of friend will we be.
A true friend stands with us in times of trials!