Thoughtful Tuesdays To Do Tuesday.

Thoughtful Tuesdays
Hi there!  You know, I started collecting blog posts that inspired me some time ago and it is my joy to share them with you on Tuesday!  Again, this Tuesday I turn to a post by Laura Rath at Journey in Faith:  14 Verses When It Feels Like God is Silent.  She is transparent about her own walk with God - especially when she does not feel Him.  The verses she presents are "oldies but goodies" to me - tried and true. 

Many years ago I was a youth sponser.  One of my precious girls shared a thought that has stuck with me all these years.  When we feel God carrying us, we are babies in our faith.  When we feel God holding our hands, we are teens in the faith.  But, when we have faith despite not sensing God's presence at all,we are adults in the faith.  Now, I'm not saying this is true in all situations, but it certainly made me realize the importance of believing despite my feelings.  

Calling out to Him for help when we feel abandoned is all it takes!  Psalm 34:17-18 is one of the verses Laura shares.  It ministers to me deeply.  

Sometimes, being still and knowing (Psalm 46:10) is all it takes. 

I encourage you to take a look at Laura's list of verses, pray each one and get your praise and dancing shoes on - even through your tears.  Try it....you might be surprised at how God's presence will comfort you.  

Last Times' list

1.  Make at least 3 yo-yo flowers to add to my quilt. These are the fabrics I'll be using. Done and done!  I actually made 4 with a few extra yo-yos for a future project!  Yea!

2.  Finish up the yellow flowers for my afghan - the Maria's Blue Crayon Spring Granny Afghan Crochet. Done and done!

3.  Sew a few more of fun four patches inspired by Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts.  Done and done!  I posted them yesterday - they came out really cute!

4.  Contact the organizations to give out the drainage bags.  Nope.  This is on my To Do List for tomorrow.  Certainly after a long weekend, the doctor's offices would be slammed today.

This Week's List 

1.  Make at least 3 yo-yo flowers to add to my quilt. 

2.  Finish up the blue flowers for my afghan - the Maria's Blue Crayon Spring Granny Afghan Crochet. 

3.  Sew a few more of fun four patches inspired by Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts.  

4.  Make labels for the Construction quilts!  Here's the one for my grandson!

The quilting highlights and adds texture to the  the ground.  My daughter quilted them for me and they came out so cute! 

5.  Contact the organizations to give out the drainage bags.  

I'm sure you see a pattern on my To Do List.  Slow stitching is still my therapy.  I just may make these pillowcases if the mood hits.  We'll see!  :)

I hope you consider visiting and linking up to:

To Do Tuesday @ Stitch All Things.

Linky Tuesday @ Freemotion by the River

I love reading your comments!  They put a smile on my face!

Still Stitching #10. Scrappy Four Patch Progress #2. Book Date.

Still Stitching #10

Still Stitching #9 Still Stitching #11

This is so very true. 

But, how do I NOT open my heart to my loved one? 

He is precious to me! 

Consequently, how many times has my heart been broken?

Countless times.

I have not been able to implement completely this point in my life.

I am, however, able to protect my heart a bit more.

Addicts and alcoholics are sick.  I’ve been told it’s a disease – an thought I’m still grappling with.  One therapist did give me a great perspective though.  She gave me five pieces of paper and asked me to write one of the most precious things/people in my life on each piece of paper. 

Then she told me, “There has been a tragedy and you just lost one of those five.  Please choose one to lose, fold it up and give it to me.”  I read each paper, picked one, folded it and reluctantly gave it to her.

A second time, she told me, “There has been another tragedy.  Please choose another one to lose, fold it up and give it to me.”  Again, I read the remaining four papers, picked one, folded it and ever so reluctantly gave it to her.

A third time she told me, “There has been another tragedy.  Please choose another one to lose, fold it up and give it to me.”  Again, I read the remaining three papers, struggling immensely picked one, folded it and painfully gave it to her.

A fourth time she told me, “There has been another tragedy.  Please choose another one to lose, fold it up and give it to me.”    In desperation, I read the remaining two papers, resignedly picked one, folded it and gave it to her.  I clung to the last remaining paper, knowing what was coming.

A final time she told me, “There has been another tragedy.  Please choose another one to lose, fold it up and give it to me.”  In desperation, I read the remaining paper.  There was no way I could give it up.  The word written on it was, “God”.  I told the therapist she could not have it. 

She smiled and told me, “That is how your alcoholic (or addict) feels.  They allow their alcoholism (or addiction) to take everything from them, but they hang on to their alcohol (or drugs) with the same determination/desperation you are holding on to your last paper.)

I understood.

Unfortunately, this new understanding lead to years of enabling which I could not seem to stop.  However, in recent years of learning I’ve been exposed to the lessons offered in in the rooms of Al-Anon like the ones in this series. 

Does my heart still get broken? 

Yes.  Most definitely. 

Do I still open my heart to my loved one?  Hmmmm…….what does that mean exactly?  I’ll be pondering that thought and share in my next post.  In the meantime, if you like, please tell me, “What does opening your heart mean to you?”

#1stitchaday

Scrappy Four Patch Progress
Remember when I started this Scrappy Four Patch inspired by Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts?  I've completed some more squares!

This stack of "2 squares" is ready to be sewn up into 4-patches.  

I usually work on this project during my daily calls to Dad.  Sometimes we talk more than an hour, so a ton of progress is made.  Sometimes, he's really busy, so we only talk a few minutes.  I've told him that it's like he's right next to me keeping me company as I sew!  Special times indeed.

Book Date
I'm excited to say that I am reading quite a few books at one time - and keeping the them straight in my head!  Yea!

Book Date

I'm on Chapter 20 of this wonderful read!  The Story continues to be a blessing to me, especially when highlighted by Pastor Dale's sermons and our weekly study!   

I'm looking forward to reading more of this book this week.  Lately, fiction has been my heart's desire.  

I'm enjoying the getting to know the characters Jan Karon is introducing in Light from Heaven  - and believe me - there are some interesting characters.  There are also some faith lessons to be absorbed.  

I finished The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult this week.  Eeesh.  It was a tough read as I followed the dynamics of a family facing great challenges.  Jodi Picoult did a fabulous job developing the characters,  describing the events, and keeping me wondering.  I even took a rare morning off from all activities to simply sit and read.  A heavy book, but very captivating and thought provoking.  

I started reading The Girls of August by Anne Rivers Siddons this weekend and I'm already enjoying the pace, the characters and the plot.  I can hardly wait to see what happens as these ladies vacation for two weeks in a beautiful home on a remote island.

You can see the list of books I've read over at Goodreads!  My user name is, of course, Miaismine!  

I wonder what summer reading you are enjoying?  If you'd like to share, please let me know in the "comments"!  Love reading and responding to those comments!

Linking up to

Monday Making @ Love, Laugh,Quilt

Main Crush Mondays @ Cooking Up Quilts

Moving It ForwardMonday @ Em’s Scrapbag

Show and TellMondays with Bambi

It’s Monday! What Are YouReading? @ Book Date

Thoughtful Tuesday: On Our Own? Book Date. To Do Tuesday.

Thoughtful Tuesdays

This post from Lesley at Life in the Spacious Place blessed me immensely.  I was reminded that we are never alone in our journey for the LORD is always with us.  We were never meant to go through life alone - ever.  I hope you'll hop on over to Life in the Spacious Place and be encouraged!  

Thank you, Lesley, for such a  comforting reminder of our Father's love!

Book Date -Currently Reading

I'm enjoying reading at least a chapter a week of The Story   I highly recommend this book!  I did fall behind while we were on vacation and then while recovering from the vacation!  Doe that happen to you as well? 

I have yet to pick up I Am Malala since our vacation, but will be reading again regularly very soon.  It's interesting, but I read her book in spurts as I realize I need time to digest all she shares.  

I finished All Things New by Lynn Austin!  It's a great book about the Civil War and left me with a new understanding of how life in the South after the Civil War.  Very interesting.  

I decided to abandon Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.  I wonder if I would've enjoyed the book more if I hadn't seen the movie first?  

Light from Heaven is a new audio book I'm enjoying.  It's light and humorous.  Perfect for me right now.  

I started The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult but just realized it was removed from my RBdigital account.  I guess I took too long to read it.  I'll be checking it out again to finish it.  I was enjoying it!  :)

Last Times' list

1.  Make at least 6 yo-yo flowers to add to my quilt. Done!  Here's the link to four of them - will you trust me that the other 2 got done?  :)

2.  Finish up the yellow and blue flowers for my afghan - the Maria's Blue Crayon Spring Granny Afghan Crochet. Nope!  

4.  Sew a few more of fun four patches inspired by Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts.  Some 1/2 squares were made.  I'm collecting those and then moving onto sewing them together.

3.  Contact the organizations to give out the drainage bags. Nope.  

This Week's List

1.  Make at least 3 yo-yo flowers to add to my quilt. These are the fabrics I'll be using.

2.  Finish up the yellow flowers for my afghan - the Maria's Blue Crayon Spring Granny Afghan Crochet. 
3.  Sew a few more of fun four patches inspired by Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts.  

4.  Contact the organizations to give out the drainage bags.   

I hope you consider visiting and linking up to:

Linking up to:

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? @ Book Date

To Do Tuesday @ Stitch All Things

Women Helping Women@ Teaching What is Good

I love reading your comments!  They put a smile on my face!

Still Stitching #9. Happy Tones Quilt Pictures.

Still Stitching #9

Still Stitching #8 Still Stitching #10

Last time we discussed  this point not staring at our loved ones’ life.  We also talked about focusing on our own lives and issues.  By doing so we can become so much more emotionally and physically healthier! 

https://www.amazon.com/
Courage-Change-One-Time-
Al-Anon/dp/0910034796

So, how did I begin to do this?  For about a year, I read Courage to Change every day and then joined a 12 Step Program for families and friends of alcoholics/drug addicts.  

I began collecting tidbits of wisdom - tools you might say.  When I found myself staring at my loved one's life, I "changed channels in my brain and began focusing on God and my own life thus giving myself the opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.  I also gave myself the opportunity to heal.  

Am I "there"?  Do I have perfect peace?  
No.
That will only be found in Heaven.  But, I do have a more strength, hope and faith.  I hope you find the same.  :)

#1stitchaday

Happy Tones Quilt Pictures
I had forgotten to post the pictures of this cheerful HST quilt using Happy Tones by Michael Miller.  

Again, my thanks to Stephanie, my long-arm quilter for making it shine!



Linking up to:

Monday Making

@ Love, Laugh,Quilt

Main Crush Mondays

@ Cooking Up Quilts

Moving It Forward Monday

@ Em’s Scrapbag

Show and Tell Mondays

with Bambi

Your comments sure make my day!  Thank you!

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching.

Saturday's Song.
During difficult times, I pray - of course.  But now,  instead of praying forever (or so it seems) an interesting change is transpiring:  instead of crying the blues all day and worrying, I cry (because that's what I do) and earnestly pray for about 5-10 minutes.  Then I start to praise God as I listen to praise and worship music.  Last time a crisis hit, I heard this song: 
Wow!  Praise hit me like a ton of bricks.  
God is always with us, even in the depths of our pain and worry.  In fact, it's then that we should praise Him all the more and cling to His promises!  

Is my life any better after the crisis?
Yes.  
Did God answer my prayer the way I had hoped?
Yes.

But that's not the only reason why I'm better.

I'm better because I learned to truly praise and trust Him and His will in the storm, in the depths of my pain.

I pray that you will be inspired to do the same.  It's comforting and empowering.  
Fear is a liar, remember?



Slow Stitching.
Lately I've been all about slow stitching.  My yo-yo quilt is finally getting some love. Here's a picture I shared from my last post....so pretty I just had to share it again!  ;)

I'm also making progress on my Grandmother's Flower Garden.  I've connected the first three rows and am almost finished with the fourth row (the colored hexies).  Here's half of the 4th row.  
When putting rows together, I work with "half-rows" and then stitch them together in order to avoid having to maneuver such large pieces.  

I'll be working on attaching the white flowers today.  Once that's done, they will join the main quilt.

I hope you'll check out these link ups!

Show Off Saturday @ Sew Can She 

Spiritual Sundays

Sunday Slow Stitching @ Kathy’s Quilts

SundayScripture Blessings @ Peabea Scribbles

Still Stitching #8. Scrappy Four Patch. Slow Stitching Therapy.

Still Stitching #8 (updated 6/11/18 to include clarifying graphics)

Still Stitching #7 Still Stitching #9

In our last post we learned about not staring at our loved ones’ life. 

We can stare at our loved one’s life forever and ever – and this won’t change a thing.

We can discuss our loved one’s life forever and ever – and this won’t change a thing.

We can mull over our loved one’s life forever and ever – and this won’t change a thing.

We can worry about our loved one’s life forever and ever – and this won’t change a thing.

We can……

Do you get the point? 

I’ve done all of the above and nothing changed – and I was miserable.

I have no control over my loved one.

I only have control over myself.

Learning that when I point my finger at someone else, I need to look at how many fingers are pointing right back at me.  

I know, it sounds weird.

After all, we are the one holding the family together, taking care of (rescuing) our loved one. 

Ahhhhhhhh…..then why are we so miserable?

Because we are so focused on our loved one,

we aren’t focused on our own issues – and, Honey, we all have issues.

Though it’s so much easier not to look inward, I’m learning to focus on myself as I strive to be as emotionally and spiritually healthy as possible. 

As we work on our own issues,

we will become healthy enough to deal with our loved on

IN A HEALTHY, RESPECTFUL manner.

What made me finally understand this theory was the speech we hear from the airline stewardesses.  It sounds like an oxymoron, but, truly, we have to take care of ourselves to be able to take care of others.

Give it a shot, you might find that you like it. 
Still Stitching #9

Scrappy Four Patch.
I'm sure you all have heard of Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts, right?  She has the best ideas for creating projects out of scraps and this idea is no different!  

A few weeks ago I shared that I'm copying her scrappy four patch quilt called "Lost in the Crowd".  This is a great leader/ender project as well as a mindless sewing project.  
Here is the next group of fabrics to be made into squares!

After I go through my 1.5" squares, I'll be using strips of fabric from my stash.  Thank you, Amanda Jean for such a fun project!

Slow Stitching Therapy.
I've needed a mindless sewing project such as my Scrappy Four Patch quilt.  Life has been a tornado lately.  As one friends gently told me, "You come from a challenging family!"  And this month we have had our fair share of challenges. (Hence my disappearance from the blogging world.)

I have found slow stitching to be soothing to my heart, so my yo-yo quilt is getting some attention again!  I started it in August of 2016 and made progress!  After a long hiatus, it has continued to grow.  

These are some of the yo-yo flowers I've made this month.  

Do you like my granddaughter's tennis shoes?  :)

This 4.5" stack of fabrics is waiting to join the other flowers!  

I hope you'll check out these great link-ups!

Can I Get a Whoop! Whoop!  @Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Finished or Not Friday @ Busy Hands Quilts

Finish It Up Friday@ Crazy Mom Quilts