THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
As I was writing the third part of The Cycle of Comfort, I felt like it's time to take a break from "Truth Be Told". I would like to share a bit about myself and hope I don't bore you! :)
I'll start with these verses as they are my calling:
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for
the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of
righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of His splendor.
I am not a Bible scholar - not as some are. But my hope is that verse three will be the result of my little space in "Bloglandia".
I am simply led by God to share His Word and hope. Am I perfect? Nope, not by a long shot! Do I have conflict, pain and mistakes in my life? Yup, they are there. However, I do follow God's leading to share devotionals, series, and thoughts which are inspired by the Holy Spirit during every day life. Much of the time, I am preaching to myself more than anyone else! 😉
So, the blog came about to share my breast cancer journey with friends and family. After my pre-treatment testing was finished and I was was diagnosed with the very aggressive Triple Negative Breast Cancer, my oncologist said that I had a 70% chance of survival. We agreed to a very long, aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment that lasted a year - well - 364 days, after which I was extremely weak for several years thereafter.
One of my life saving drugs which I know as The Red Devil, which causes nerve damage in some people. In me, it amped up my fibromyalgia to life controlling levels.
I felt useless as I could not regain my strength to continue my "normal" life. God spoke to my heart and reminded me of this blog. Then God gave me a vision of sharing His love as well as my crafty and reading life with you!
It was perfect timing as 1) blogging does not require a lot of physical energy, 2) sharing His love is one of my passions and 3) I entered a loving and accepting world of caring, supportive bloggers - like you!
So, when I share, it's from my heart as His Word and inspirational songs speak to me, praying you will be blessed.
And that, my dears, is my part of my story. I hope you were encouraged by the Scripture and this song!
BOOK DATE
Currently Reading
Home on the Range has been on my Want to Read list for some time. I was pleased to see my local library had it on audio!
Where has large print been all my life? In a Book Club Far Away by Tif Marselo came in from the library in large print and wow! I love it! Mary Alice and I decided to switch up our schedule and start this one since it came in so quickly. My granddaughter and I are starting another "Book Club For Two" by reading Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. I believe I've read this book before, but it has been calling to me lately. Finished:
My Beloved World is definitely a five star read. Sonia Sotomayor shares her life story with great vulnerability, strength and wisdom. I read it via audio, but now have a copy of the print version which I will be re-reading to glean the golden nuggets of wisdom Sonia Sotomayor shares.
Mary Alice and I just couldn't stop reading and finished the book this week! We have had many discussions on "who dunnit" in this cozy cooking mystery and were surprised at the ending! Then again, isn't that the purpose of a mystery? Four and a half stars for this fun read!
Next Up:
I have high hopes of getting to this read...one day!
STASH REPORT
Yarny numbers By finishing the last prayer shawl, my yarn are looking much better!
Nothing in/out this week!
Productivity Stats
It's slow going, but I'm determined to continue the progress. However.....a squirrel or two may pop up!
TO DO TUESDAYLast Week's List
1. Prepped Projects: Kit the next 10 Qube Crush blocks. This will be moved onto this coming week. 2. Finish the prayer shawl. 😀 It's completed and will be on its way to California next week!
 |
I used a simple V-Stitch pattern and Hobby Lobby's Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek DK
in Oxblood.
What a name for a yarn color, right? 😝
I'm really liking the rebozo style shawls. |
3. Though not on last week's list, I prepped 5 blocks for Melva's Santa Fe SAL! I'm a bit behind with the orginal quilt, but that should be rectified this week. Here are my first two blocks. Here's my fabric pulls for the first quilt. This is such a fun sew along that I decided to make two quilts! It's not to late to join in as the blocks take less than an hour to cut and stitch up! My second quilt will be from this fabric.
This Week's List
1. Prepped Projects: Kit the next 10 Qube Crush blocks. 2. Make progress on my hexagon quilt.
4. I'm linking this project to
Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching where we take time to slow down with our hand stitching projects! The Noel mitten is finished and I'm hoping I can finish the tree is today's project!
GRATITUDE FOR THE SMALL THINGS
May you'll have a change to pop over to LeeAnna's I Like link up? Though the title is "I Like", I've realized that I'm so grateful for these blessings in my life!
Your comments are so appreciated!
I read each one and will respond by email to you! :)
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Beautiful prayer shawl.
ReplyDeleteThe prayer shawl is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteReading your story, Mia, has caused me to think of the beautiful chorus, "He gave me beauty for Ashes".....do you know it? Your story is one of God's amazing grace to you each day. I must say your shawl is pretty. The colour is lovely. Why, as I was looking at your fabrics for your quilt, I saw a fabric that is in my stash. I looked at your stats for new projects which you want to start.....you are going to be busy creating for a very long while...how wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouraging blog posts and for sharing the scripture which drives you. We need more people who want to bring beauty for ashes! I have read some of the books you recommend and I have enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteYour faith is always inspiring and what a journey - so good that we believe in a God who loves us. In spite of our weakness! I am so looking forward to the The Book Club Far Away.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your lovely scriptures and some of your life story. You are blessed with strength and courage.
ReplyDeleteLove your fabric pull, and I took a peek at the blocks you've made for Melva's QAL. What is that print with the purple and yellow flowers?
What a beautiful place you live in. I love all parts of New Mexico, including the desert!
Thanks so much for following God's direction. By sharing the scriptures and your journey, not to mention talents, you are a blessing to many. This was the perfect devotional for me this morning! As a teen, I was the pianist in our little country church. As this song was playing, I closed my eyes and could see and hear my sweet mama standing by me at the piano leading our little congregation in this precious hymn. Blessings to you as you continue your journey of life!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing a bit of your story, Mia. I'm always encouraged when I read your posts, although I don't often comment. That hymn was a favorite of my grandfather, so it is a favorite of mine :-) and I know it well. You have some beautiful projects in the works, and I'm so glad you are joining in on the Santa Fe Sew Along!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you say about preaching to yourself. My DH is a pastor and he says every sermon he writes he's preaching to himself, and from there hopefully others can relate. I am encouraged by the Bible pictures you create. And yes, to being encouraged by music.
ReplyDeleteI love Isaiah 61 so much! It's been such a comfort in my life. Thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I will be appreciated large print more and more in coming years. I've started using a magnifying glass to read small print already. Haha. I hope you enjoy In a Book Club Far Away by Tif Marselo. That sounds like one I will have the try.
ReplyDeleteThat is great that you are reading Island of the Blue Dolphin with your granddaughter. I still have my copy from my childhood. I wonder if I could interest my daughter. She and I like to read together too. I really enjoyed Arsenic and Adobo when I read it too. It's a great start to a promising new series.
I hope you have a great week!
So glad to know you made it through that tough time and are able give so much positive energy and inspiration to those of us who read your blog! I enjoy your writing every week. I just picked up the Sonia Sotomayor book from my library this week, and I'm looking forward to starting it this afternoon!
ReplyDeleteI remember my 7th grade lit teacher reading us the Island of the Blue Dolphins. I think most of the class thought we were too old to be read to but she had a soothing voice and would read it to us at the end of class, just a little at a time. In retrospect (and in adult eyes) I now see that she was actually calming us, a little like we get focused on our quilting/sewing and it calms us down. My kids all read the Giver. I have no idea what the treatment my dad received was but it was "experimental" back in the mid 80's when he got it. Nerve damage was definitely an issue for him--in his fingers and toes esp--and it really bothered him; said it was like pins and needles. I"m glad you've found blogging, reading, crafting as outlets!
ReplyDelete