This is the geranium that my son-in-law got me for Mother's Day several years ago. I've taken good care of it, but despite my efforts, this last winter, it looked like I had lost it to a freeze. I kept it in the shade by the pond and watered it faithfully even though it just looked like a pot of dirt. And look what happened!" With just a bit of hope, TLC and perseverance, we can be amazed by God's works!
I Like LeeAnna over at Not Afraid of Color hosts an "I Like" link up party. This week I'm happy to join in the fun. I like being surprised....I thought this plant and its friends were weeds. After a bit of patience, I realized that they are ready to bloom! A friend thinks they may be lilies....we'll see!
I love making gifts for my daughter!
These crocheted hangers
are one of her favorite gifts.
Before the stores closed,
I was lucky enough to find the
same yarn that I used for
her wedding afghan!
I'm beginning to really like my husband's doggie, Chico! He used to really annoy me, but he's maturing nicely!
I like finding misplaced completed projects! This one was in my "to frame" basket that I forgot I even created! The embroidery design is by Mollie Johanson at Wild Olive. She reblogged about this pattern as it is so appropriate for these times that we are living in.
Today's word is for those of us who love people who make/have made hurtful choices. First of all, you are not alone. I'll say it again, you are not the only one who loves someone who makes hurtful choices. I write from personal experience. God gave me three points to write about: 1) Let go of the guilt. You did not cause the situation, you cannot control the person and you can't cure them. You can only take care of yourself. 2) Rebuke those who judge and make insensitive remarks about your loved one. I saw this on @tobymacspeaklife Instagram account:
It gave me a new perspective not only on the words spoken to me, but more importantly on the words I chose to speak. 3) Look for the blessings your loved ones have brought into your life! Not only look for them, but make a list of these blessings and share it with them and others! 4) Remember Romans 8:28:
All Things. Everything. Period.
That one is a tough one, but it's true.
Alcohol abuse.
Drug abuse.
Arrests.
Cancer.
Abuse.
Pain.
Brokeness.
All. Things.
Dear one, Sometimes our blessings come through tears, yes? Hold on to your faith, your love, your God. Fight the good fight! Toby Mac's "Elements" video is powerful!
So, Dear One, hold your head high, have faith in the all-powerful, loving, wise God that we serve, love your special person without rescuing them as you believe God will be there for them!
Wednesday Wrap Ups My finish this week is an gift for a dear friend's daughter who is an arts major, a theater arts major I believe. I knew she would love something colorful and eclectic - and something that breaks all the rules. With the closure of craft stores, I used what I had on hand an prayed for the best. I also stitched as I went along. No one panel is exactly the same! But somehow, it all came together, just barely covering a queen sized bed. This beauty is called "A Beautiful Hot Mess". I love how it turned out almost as much as I love the recipient! Enjoy, my dear one!
Pressing On
Last time my goals were: 1. Visit with Daddy and Mama via FaceTime. ✔ 2. Garden ✔ 3. Make more face masks ✔ 4. Sew for fun. ✔ This Week's Goals 1. Visit with Daddy and Mama via FaceTime. 2. Garden 3. Finish compensating strips for my 30's $7.50 quilt. Yup, it needs some help. 4. Read - I want to read again! Yea! Take care my dear Reader, take good care! Check out these fun parties!
Saturday's Song The ending of this morning's service at our church, online of course, reminded me that we can remember who we are! We are God's children - we are victorious. Naturally, we will have bad days. During this time of isolation, the defeated one will try to attack us via our weaknesses. But sing this song back to him and remind him who you are in Christ!
We are children of the one true King! Yes, we will have sad, difficult days. Absolutely. But when the defeated one whispers trash in our ear, let's shout our victory in his ear! Amen?
Slow Stitching I've had a weekend of slow stitching. Of course, work continues on my Grandmother's Flower Garden. Today, I decided to pick up my long lost project, my crocheted selvage throw rug.
It measures roughly 50" by 6" and its future home will be by my cutting table. I've already stepped on it and it feels so comfortable. The selvages from the masks I've been making as well as donations from my sweet daughter and a sewing friend have helped this little project along.
Stash Report
Fabric in
The last 2 weeks: 6 yards
This year: (since April 1) 7.5 yards
Fabric out
The last 2 weeks: 13.90
This year: (since April 1) 20.56
I've finished a scrappy, very scrappy (to me) baby quilt, many pleated masks and some special order masks as well.
The last 2 weeks: 0 ouncesYarn in
This year (since April 1) : 0 ounces
Yarn out
This week: 42 ounces I finished an afghan which I'll be sharing later this week. Update: Here it is!
This year (since April 1) : to be honest, I haven't kept track, so I'll begin with this week's numbers. :)
Today I was joyful and tearful as I rejoiced in our Lord's victory and missed my family. Bottom line is this: during this time we will have good days and hard days. I embrace both as they are natural and real. But, at the end of the day, I can still praise God and sing this song, even if it's through my tears. Because He lives.
This song also blessed me today.
Yes, these are trying times, but it's only for a blink of the eye. Let's come out stronger, better people. Let's work toward that, yes? Slow Stitching
After setting up my Grandmother's Flower Garden Quilt in the living room, it's much easier to make progress during the week. I hoping to attach those last three hexagons tonight!
During a fun conversation with @twotinymakes on Instagram, a new hashtag has been made: #sloweveningsew! I hope you check out her posts of her incredible quilts!
Stash Report
Fabric in
This week: 0 yards
This year: (since April 1) 1.5 yards
Fabric out
This week: 6.66
This year: (since April 1) 6.66
6.66-1.50= +5.16 yards
I made these cute little Easter bags! The grandbabies loved them - and the treats inside!
I used this beginner friendly tutorial from Ashley Johnston at Bernina's We All Sew.
I also made face masks for various people: a hospital in my home town, some have been sent out to family members and a couple went to a nurse's child.
Ready to be shipped.
I found this tutorial for making my own bias tape - again - it's beginner friendly. The only difference is I don't use the bias tape maker. I just use my fingers to fold the fabric.
I really like this beginner friendly tutorial from Dana at Made Everyday. She has a great video on Instagram as well.
Hello There, It's good to be back. Here's what's been happening since last I linked up! I've been enjoying many of your blogs and am glad to be back for at least a season! Wednesday's Word. I was reading Psalm 10 the other day and was amazed at the power of this Psalm when I replaced the words referring to the defeated one/enemy with "coronavirus". I reread the Psalm again this morning and was greatly encouraged as David's cry of seemingly abandonment transitioned to a cry of praise and victory. In verse one, he shared his hurt with God:
Then in verses 2-11 he describes the many injustices he sees as he focuses on the enemy. But, beginning in verse 12, a change happens as David begins to focus on God instead. He appears to remember who God is and his heart is encouraged! He prays for God to move on his behalf!
Finally, in verses 16-17 David is praising God for all he is worth.
In my Bible, I wrote, "Take that, coronavirus!"
As my family and I are dealing not only with this issue, but also deeply personal losses during this time, I am learning to 1) let God know how I feel, 2) tell Him of the injustices I see, 3) remember who He is, 4) pray for victory
and 4) praise Him with all my heart!
Yes, we are in challenging times,
but God still sits on the throne.
Yes, we are being challenged as never before,
but God still sits on the throne.
Life with its joys and sorrows marches on,
but God still sits on the throne.
Amen? Amen!
Wednesday Wrap Ups During my absence, I have finished a few projects. I got my Morning Glory Quilt top back from my Long Arm Quilter, bound it with a scrappy binding and love it!
The pattern is by Kate Spain and I used her Early Bird collection. This was our first annual Mother-Daughter QAL project. It was so much fun that my daughter and I decided to continue the tradition this year. Pressing On
Last time my goals were: 1. Visit Daddy and Mama.✔ via FaceTime 2. Finish up this month's Stitcher's Garden block and finish up one "tardy" block. X Wow, rereading these goals reminds me of a simpler time in life. Now my goals are a bit different. This Week's Goals 1. Visit with Daddy and Mama via FaceTime. 2. Garden 3. Make more face masks 4. Sew for fun. Take care my dear Reader, take good care! Check out these fun parties!
At the end of our fabulous virtual service, my church, Heart for the World, sang this song and wow! What a blessing it was for me! They encouraged us to share a #hopewins testimony, so here's mine!
Great service, HFTW Team. “One Thing Remains “ was my cancer fighting mantra. In fact, right after I was diagnosed, we were on our way to HFTW for the first time. I set a fleece before God to show me if this was our new home church: I asked Him for this very song to be sung during praise and worship. It was sung and we’re still at HFTW. Blessings to you, my church family and the HFTW team! Love you!!!!
Pastor said that during this time, or actually, any time of trial, we have an opportunity to come out stronger in Christ. Let's take it through extra time with God! I encourage you to listen/watch this service as you slow stitch today! If you would like to share your church's online service, please add it in the comments section! Let your hearts be encouraged and encourage others! Slow Stitching This Sunday, I'm working on my Grandmother's Flower Garden.
I've been struggling to get this last row sewn in and the LORD kept whispering to me, "Use a Clover clip." I kept wanting to do this on my own....
Then, as I was watching the service today, and yes, full disclosure, I was stitching during service, I finally got frustrated enough to use a Clover clip. Wow! My experience went smoother and was more pleasant.
How often do we struggle on our own instead of using the anchor of Jesus Christ to hold us together?
Stash Report
I didn't have a finish this week, but I should next week. So, fabric out this week? Zero! Fabric in? Also, zero!
Take good care and perhaps take a moment to 1) share your church's online service in the comments, 2) visit the parties below and 3) spend a few extra minutes with God! Blessings to all!
