As I stated here, I am saving hand stitching for the weekends, for the most part. I worked all week on this binding and tada! I finished it today - all 296 inches of it! I even got the label made and sewn on! Therefore, according to my mind map, it counts as two finished UFO's! I can share the whole quilt later, after the recipient receives it. Shhhh! It'a a surprise! I can tell you it's a Take Five On Point. I picked up the pattern at my local Bernina quilt shop! Here's what it looks like, though! It's truly a labor of love. You see, I bought the pattern and fabric in the Fall of 2014. If I remember correctly, I was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly afterwards. My kind daughter offered to piece the quilt for me. I spent 2015 in chemo, radiation and recovering from various surgeries. Finally, it's quilted, bound, labeled and washing as I type. Tomorrow, it's off to it's recipient! And, for the first time, I'm linking up to Kathy's Quilts Slow Sunday Stitching! What Fun!
How many of you have begun a Bible Reading Plan to read through
the Bible in a Year or something similar?
How many of you actually completed it?
I know, it’s hard to admit how many times I’ve started a plan and
stopped. The reasons are many:
I fell behind and just gave up.
I would detoured by a scripture, then stop everything to study
it and not continue the plan.
I just didn’t do it.
This time is different for me.
Even if I fall behind, I just pick up where I left off.
If a scripture catches my eye, I read up on it very briefly, and
then continue with my daily reading without journaling. I know God will bring it to my remembrance
again.
I make sure I don’t “just not do it”. I have a goal: to read through the Bible. I am determined to reach my goal!
To track my progress I’m using the Bible Study Tools app which
downloads to a smart phone or I can use the website. I chose the chronological plan.
Now, this is not my
Bible study time, this is my leisurely reading time, reading for pleasure. So, I switched to the Life Recovery Bible in
the NLT version on my Nook. It’s an easy
read, portable and extremely easy to maneuver.
Now, I am highlighting verses which catch my eye, so I can go back for a
more in depth study. I love that there are links to notes regarding
character studies with additional links to take me right back to where I
was.
And now, the point of this whole topic:
God Saw US Then and He Still Does
I was innocently reading along in Genesis, when I came upon
Abram, Sarai and Hagaar. You can read
about them here.
My Nook gave me a version to click on called “No-Win Situations”. It talked about how Hagaar was definitely in
a no-win situation: completely powerless
and trapped. Yet, at her lowest point,
and Angel of the LORD says,
11 And the
angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to
name him Ishmael (which means ‘God
hears’), for theLordhas heard your cry of distress. Genesis
16:11
Now, I’m not saying what happened to Hagaar was right – it wasn’t. It wasn’t God’s plan. But, we all have free will and we all sin.
Others have sinned.
Others have sinned against us.
Others have sinned greatly
against us.
And it hurt a lot.
It still
does.
I know.
I’ve been there.
Many times.
Today, this scripture gave me great hope and comfort. Because, now, many years later,
I can see how those hurts (EDITED June 21, 2016 3:34 p.m.) it wasn't the hurts that made these great changes in my life - It was God's presence in my life during those hurts. It was His grace that allowed me to chose to be have made me
a better person who has more compassion and less judgement,
a more insightful teacher who was able to recognize my hurting students and nurture
them,
a person who is becoming a better instead of bitter,
someone
who writes this blog in the hopes of bringing God, healing and hope in Jesus' name to hurting
people. EDITED June 21, 2016 I heard the last bit of "You Come Running" by Travis Ryan. Though I couldn't find a full video of it, here's the chorus: You coming running Into all my brokenness Into all my hopelessness I am not alone You come running Even when I hide from You There is nothing I can do to keep me from Your love ‘Cause You come running, running You come running
Merriam
Webster’s definition of “poor” is just what I thought it would be: minimal material possessions, one’s
circumstances incites pity or one who is humbled. When one of our poor brother’s or sister’s
cry out or our LORD points out their silent cry, we must hear and be sensitive
to their cry! As human beings, we must
do this. Not only because if we don’t
our LORD won’t hear our own cries of poverty – whatever they may be – but because
we are human beings. We know better.
Application:
And when we do this, we need to remember that a relationship
begins. We need to continue it! It will bless us beyond belief to see this
once “poor” person rise to the point where they, in turn, will be able to stand
in God’s grace and help other “poor” people.
Prayer
LORD, thank you for this gentle reminder. Help me to be sensitive to the cry of the
poor!
Mountains and.....confessions!
My daughter's family have been enjoying camping this month. We went to spend the day with them and believe me it was refreshing to get away from the over 100 degree temps and be in the upper 80's. I'm so blessed to have wonderful grandbabies and a son-in-law who enjoys my company! :)
Speaking of son-in-laws.....he asked my daughter why we start so many projects before we even finish the one we are working on! To be fair, she actually finishes her project before starting new ones!
But me? Ha! Let's see if I can answer that question....
1) There's so many wonderful projects I want to make!
2) There's so many beautiful fabrics and so little time!
3) I'm nuts for crafting!
I have been pondering his question though. I made a list of all my projects - and even counted them!
He asked me how many I had....I refused to confess....but I will here....
But first, let me show you how I figured this all out.
First, I wrote them in a notebook using one (or two, or three.....) pages for each craft, made an index, then got to work finishing my WIPs.
It really didn't look so bad, but then I started playing with Simple Mind mapping tool and....oh oh.....
These are projects that I have bought materials for.....ouch! And, full disclosure, I believe there's a few more scrapbook projects out there. Some, are ongoing, long term, but they are still there. So, here's the breakdown:
Quilt Labels - 3
Machine Sewing Projects - 9
Crochet - 8
Quilting - 8
Hand Sewing - 7
GRAND (or not so grand) TOTAL: 36 WIPS!
Eeeesh! I know I can knock out 3 rather quickly. Can you guess which they are? Yup. The 3 quilt labels! So, I feel a bit better.....about knowing there's one more project I just accepted: machine embroidering my granddog's tshirt! :)
I'll keep you posted on my progress because it's good for me to be accountable. And my dear Son-in-Law, if you want to know how many WIPs I have, you have to read my blog! :)
Yo Yo Quilt
I find it difficult to balance work on crochet projects and hand sewing projects. I'm inspired by Kathy's Quilts Slow Stitching Sunday idea. The difference for me is that I'm slow stitching on the weekends - which for me is Friday night through Sunday night. I love it so far and made great progress on my Yo Yo Quilt.
However, once an adjustment is made to my design board, I'll work on my Grandmother's Flower Garden. I'm eager to have it off my design board so I can snuggle with it!
This is an older picture. It's a lot more finished!
So, a lot on my crafting plate right now. Writing it out, it feels overwhelming, but I'm also trying to focus on envisioning the finished products and the joy they will bring!
I love crafting....it's so healing and fulfilling!
Happy Song
Here's a blast from the past! I love the beat, it's happy!
These ladies are so talented! I'm definitely inspired! Pain and Meds Today was tough - pain.....but I think I'm realizing that I cannot skip not one dose - not one - of meds. I think if I remember to take them, I'll have more good days. I think. For pain, I'm taking Gabapentin (for fibromyalgia), Vitamin B Complex (recommended by my oncologist) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (recommended by a fellow cancer survivor). This website has some great ideas to help us remember to take our meds. For now, I'll add an alarm to my Smart Phone.
Again, I prayed and was actively looking for a verse that had never caught my attention. Boy, this one sure stood out to me! Observation: According to Elliot's Commentary, basically we should realize that it's God who provides for us, not coincedence or chance. Therefore this verse should be an encouragement to us. Matthew Henry's Commentary states that we are blessed to "give ourselves" to the will of God, for He knows what's best for us. I would like to see the Amplified version of this verse: So, the way I understand it, there are no coincidences, God determines our fate, our lives....everything....right? Application: So, let's look at this. And if our LORD is in charge, we should rejoice and trust in all circumstances......even in the face of cancer. Ouch...Yup...even in the face of cancer, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation treatment, neuropathy, pain, fatigue, painful memories - in all circumstances.....
Eeesh....this is hard. I have tears in my throat as I write this.....but it does make sense....
https://benziher.wordpress.com/tag/my-strength/
This is precisely how I got through, how I continue to live victoriously in spite of all the aforementioned circumstances.....my faith leads me to joy of the LORD which leads me to strength..... Prayer LORD, God, my Abba Father, thank you...thank you...thank you.... Let me recall this lesson: nothing is coincidence, You are my Providence.... Breast cancer made me stronger, wiser, more humble. Breast cancer brought so much more unity in my family! Breast cancer introduced many wonderful people in my life. Breast cancer has indeed been a blessing. Thank you. On the same note, however:
http://quotesgram.com/cancer-motivational-quotes/
Happy Song During Praise and Worship I used to to sing along with songs along this theme with all my heart.... Now I sing along with the same heart, but now I have more clarity about the cost. I'm His work of art - scars and all - and - thank God, I'm still praising Him. Dear Friend, this is my truth!
I agree with Matthew Henry’s Commentary, it
is awesome when we know we have given an apt – suitable or proper – answer. Not only does the speaker find joy in helping
their friend, but, indeed, a timely word is good – to me – is a blessing.
Application:
Today I asked God to show me a verse that I have read often and
overlooked, hence today’s Proverb. And look how true verse 23 is!
Confession time:
I’m not one for chit chat, small talk, blah, blah, blah, blah,
blah! I tend to put my foot in my mouth during small talk!
I prefer to get to the meat
of a person – of a friend:
“Hello! How are you? Now, how are you really? I care and want to
know! The cell phone is off. I’m listening to you.” Or even just giving them a hug – a really
one. Then asking if they would like to
get together – and actually setting a date.
It’s during these times that God seems to work through me – to help
me really listen, read body language and tenderly ask questions. Or sometimes to
just listen, no judgement, no questions, just compassionately listening.
Listening is becoming a lost art.
Compassionate listening is also an apt reply.
Hmmmmm.
http://www.compassionatelistening.org/
But, on the other side of the coin what would I have done
without my friends listening to me this past year. I have definitely been on the receiving end
of an apt reply and a timely word!
Prayer:
LORD, thank you for this hidden jewel in Your Word! Thank you for my all my loved ones’ listening,
crying and comforting me as we all fought breast cancer! You are amazing, LORD!
Please help me to be the one who gives and apt reply and a
timely word……and help me to reach out to others that I may receive their apt
reply and timely words as well. It’s so
much easier to give than to receive….I know I need to work on reaching out and receiving…..
Observation: I need to think
about what I am hearing, reading and even seeing. Because I want to be a prudent person, I need
to, as my Pastor said, “…push the pause button before proceeding.”
Application:
Have you ever heard or read something that you knew was wrong,
but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it?
That happened to me the other day as I was researching a Scripture. I read the whole article, to include a link
the author recommended. I agreed with
part of the article, but, the main gist of it…..well, not so much….but I just
couldn’t put my finger on my issue….
I sent a link of it to my “spiritual mom”
and asked her opinion. Thank God for our
spiritual mothers – the women who nourish and water the seeds of our
faith!
She was able to verbalize and clarify my thoughts – it was
strange how she cleared the muddy waters in my mind. That my dear friends was God!
Prayer:
LORD, help me to be more prudent! Thank you for my spiritual mom. Help me to gain prudence (wisdom) by prayerfully
digging deeper in to Your Word, into the commentaries and then bouncing ideas
off my dear mom. Thank you for today’s
learning! Help me to remember it!
Finished WIP I finished my table topper! I used "Recess", a Schnibbles by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. and I learned a tough lesson in setting triangles and reading directions! Oh, you don't see the settting triangles? It's because I so messed up, that I just cut off those pesky little guys (as suggested by my daughter)! Not to worry, I plan to make another one! I love how cheerful it came out.....time for matching coasters?
I just had to leave my Mia's dog toys in the picture!
I love this image……This person seems deep in thought in a
beautiful location. I’m also learning to
walk with God, press the pause button, and seek out my motives for my
actions. Of course, I err! But, as I begin to develop this practice of prayerfully
seeking out my heart and motives, I become more loving, more gentle, more
Christ like.
Isaiah
43:2
My love with the ocean started in Okinawa, Japan.It was there, via a wise friend’s comments,
that I saw God’s power in the ocean.Certainly, I had always seen His majesty as I gazed at the ocean, but
power?Not so much.
She was going through medical testing that required cyclical visits
to the hospital in the same day. On her “off
time”, we would go to the beach. I asked
her how she could be so peaceful. She
responded (paraphrased), “You see how the ocean waves come only so far? If God can hold these powerful waves back
from overcoming us, He can certainly handle this situation.”
Ok, so I just got home from Part 1 of my bone scan – you know –
the scan that looks for cancer of the bones.
Part 1 is an injection with mild radioactive materials that
allow the bones to be seen on a scan.
Part 2 is the scan taken exactly three hours later.
We are performing this test to try and figure out the reasons
for the continuing foot pain.
Is it chemotherapy related neuropathy?
Is it that the chemotherapy aggravated the fibromyalgia?
My oncologist has decided on several courses of action because
his clinical exam does not indicate the first option: chemotherapy related neuropathy.
1. A B12 blood test
2.A thyroid blood test
3.A bone scan
4.A nerve conduction study
These tests on top of the
5.DX mammogram
I didn’t realize how nervous I was about the bone scan until I
was on my way to the appointment for the injection. Eeeesh.
There’s any number of dear friends who would have gone with me, but I
thought it was no big deal. Ha!
But God is faithful, even in our (my) silliness.I plugged in my faithful Praise list and
played this song:
I love this part of the song:
You brought me
this far So why
would I question You now You have
provided So why
would I start to doubt I’ve
never been stranded, abandoned Or left
here to fight alone So I’m
giving You control
Even in my
roughest most painful times, God was there right with me. You know how I know? I asked him where He was and He showed me.
He was there
fighting for me.
You know how I
know?
I’m literally
alive.
I’m here.
At this point, I’m
working out the why’s of past pains,
But I’m here
To work them out
With Him.
I’m here.
So,
If peace is a river let
it sweep over me If I’m
under fire I know it’s refining me When I
hear You calling out I follow now Wherever
the road may go I know
You’re leading me home
-Lift My Life Up
by Unspoken
I’m being
refined right now and He’s leading me home.
Therefore, I can sincerely sing the chorus with my entire heart – even if
it’s through my tears:
I lift my life, lift my
life up I give it all in surrender I lift my heart, lift my heart up You can have it forever All my dreams, all my plans Lord,†I leave it in Your hands I lift my life, lift my life up Have Your way in me Have Your way in me
·Lift My Life Up by Unspoken
Update: unofficial word is that my bones are cancer free! Dance of joy, people!!
Proverb of the Day 7:9
Night times seems to make everything disquieting.
Fevers seem to go up at night.
Suspenseful movies.
A noise in the back room of the house.
Worries.
Sin.
Here’s verse 9 in context:
We believe darkness covers sin.
That’s when temptation and the enemy rear their ugly heads.
But it’s also a great opportunity for prayer and when our
victory through our LORD Jesus Christ can be the greatest! As we fervently pray for ourselves and our loved
ones, His Spirit will move in ways unimagined by our finite minds!
I heard this story during a Sunday sermon many years ago.
A young lady dressed to go dancing. She didn’t realize the club she was going to
was extremely disreputable.
That same night a Grandmother is suddenly compelled to pray for her
granddaughter. She prays throughout the
night without ceasing. She prays the
blood of Jesus over her beloved grandchild.
The young lady is in line to pay her cover charge. Suddenly the bouncers start screaming, “Get
her out of here! She’s covered in
blood! Get her out of here!”
Yup, she was covered in blood – Jesus’ precious blood saved her –
thanks to a Grandmother’s tender spirit obeying the call of God to pray – at night.
I found out a person I worked with has leukemia. It’s really bothering me. I’m not part of his inner circle at all. I was once a colleague and even then for just
a brief time.
But I will write him and say that
he’s being prayed for,
I would like to send him a note once in awhile,
And give him support group information.
Hopefully, he allows me to send an occasional short note.
I keep reminding myself it’s all about him now, not me. But, I also know I would feel better if I
could do something.
My heart breaks for him.
He’s so young and talented in his field.
I will end with this image I came across some time ago.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/469922542345428005/
Ok, so I saw this image and just had to post it….it has nothing
to do with anything.It’s just funny.
