Sunday, November 28, 2021

Weekly Word: Stayed On Him Part 3, Reading, Stitching and Gratitude

   

Hello There, 
Thank you so much for stopping by!  For those of you who celebrate, I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!  
I participated in Jenn's at Jenn's Bookshelves Thankfully Reading event!  There will be more about the fun reads in My Reading Life section!
Time for this week's post.  Here's is an index should you have a special interest you like to read first!  
The Weekly Word - is a short devotional that sometimes becomes a Bible Study series.  
My Reading Life - is filled with current, completed and upcoming reads as well as an occasional short review.      
Stash Report and To Do Tuesday is where I'll share share stats regarding my fiber usage and acquisitions, goals met/lack thereof and photos of my projects. 
Gratitude Journal - Sometimes I get lost in my own stinky thinking.  This digital journal reminds me to count my blessings!    
Depressed?  Grieving?  Just Plain Sad? Part 3
Life can through us some curve balls that lead to a time of grieving, depression, or simply feelings of sadness.  As I've been sharing, our family has been going through a transition that has led me to a time of grieving and adjustment.  Rather than give in to society's demand to "just get over it", I took Ecclesiastes 3:4 to heart and gave my grief time. 
One of Daddy's favorite sayings is, "Give time time."  And he is so right!    The song, Stayed on Him by Terrian is based on Isaiah 26:3 has also been instrumental in reminding me where I can choose to keep my mine focused.  

Finally, this website, has been the jumping off point of this Bible study.  Ready to dive in?
The Bible shares many examples of people grieving/depressed.  Elijah, a great man of God, was one of them.
3Elijah was afraid a and ran for his life.
 When he came to Beersheba in Judah, 
he left his servant there, 
4while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. 
He came to a broom bush, 
sat down under it and 
prayed that he might die. 
“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life;
 I am no better than my ancestors.” 
5Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.   
1 Kings 19:4-5a

How many of us have dealt with grief/sadness/loss in this same manner?  I know I have.  Sometimes life's blows seem to be too much to live with - they are utterly overwhelming!  Elijah went into self-isolation by separating himself from his servant.  Then he exhausted himself by going a day's journey - probably by walking.  Finally, when he was lonely and fatigued, he prayed a despairing prayer for God to take his life!  Thank God that He doesn't give us all our requests!   Finally, exhausted, Elijah slept.
Again, how many of us do the same as we deal with pain?  We go into isolation, exhaust ourselves doing what's expected, then are too weak to deal with our emotional and spiritual pain?  
How did the LORD respond to Elijah?  He sent a ministering angel:
All at once an angel touched him and said, 
“Get up and eat.” 
6He looked around, 
and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals,
 and a jar of water. 
He ate and drank and then lay down again. 
1 Kings 19:5b-6

The cycle repeated itself.  The angel of the LORD once again showed compassion and gave Elijah something to eat and drink.  In fact, Elijah was so strengthened that traveled 40 days and forty nights to reach his destination - a meeting with God.  Upon his arrival, the LORD let him rest - again taking care of His child's physical needs.   
7The angel of the Lord came back a second time 
and touched him and said, 
“Get up and eat, 
for the journey is too much for you.” 
8So he got up and ate and drank. 
Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights
 until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 
9There he went into a cave and spent the night. 1 Kings 19:7-9
It was only then, after Elijah was rested and well fed that the LORD was able to speak life into him and direct him.  
My dear friends, let us remember that despite our pain, we must take care of ourselves that we may hear the LORD's ministering message to us that will give us comfort and direction!  
Let us take that morsel of food and drink offered to us that our bodies can begin to heal.  Our bodies and minds have been traumatized!  Let us take the time to sleep that our minds and hearts can rest.   And then, during the fog of pain, let us remember keep our minds stayed on Him.  
I am coming out of the valley of loss.  Does this make me an expert?  Not by any means.  I'm simply sharing the lessons learned in my personal valley.  Perhaps someone, somewhere out there in Bloglandia will be blessed or gain insight to a loved one's pain?  
See you next week with more of this series.  


My Reading Life

Last week I mentioned that I've been starting to line up my reading challenges for 2022.  I mentioned one where I would read a book published every year since my birth.  Even if I meet my long-term goal of reading a decade's worth of books a year, it will take at lest 6 years!  I found this particular challenge, as well as some others here!  They have some great ones listed!  
Here is my week of reading.  I have so enjoyed participating in Jenn's Bookshelves Thankfully Reading event!  I finished a couple of books and even started some new ones!  More importantly, I realized that if I consciously make time for reading, I read more!  Go figure!  :) 
Remember, if you click on the books' image, you should get directed to a book description.  
Currently Reading


Finished
Last week I forgot to mention that I was reading these two books!
★★★★★
This is part of a fun, 
 cozy mystery series,
Secret, Scone and
Book Society, 
by Ellery Adams.
  
★★★★★
The Atonement Child was 
difficult to listen to as 
Rivers addressed a difficult
subject from various points of 
view.  However, I did enjoy it.  



★★★★★
The House on the Cerulean Sea was difficult for me to keep reading, but as Mary Alice and I discussed it, I got over myself and simply became acquainted with the children in the story.  I recalled my experiences as a bilingual teacher and how my students faced much prejudice from the other students, teachers and, sadly, administration.  Each one of these groups were well represented by Klune.  
Despite the fact that I also faced these same prejudices from these same groups, I continued to strongly advocate for my students' as well as for their parents' rights.  
Prejudice is everywhere. Change comes with one person at a time. Let's remember to love God's children - both adults and children.
★★★★★★
Gone for Good, the first in the series Detective Annalisa Vega, was a great read that kept me guessing until the end!  I'm eagerly awaiting publication of the second in this series!

Stash Report

Yarny Numbers
Again there's no changes in my yarn numbers, but definitely changes in fabric as I had a major finish!   

Fabric numbers
No fabric in this week, but I finally finished my Qube Crush quilt.  This was an Accuquilt quilt along hosted by my local quilt shop, Be Sew Creative, back in 2020.  They did approximately 12 squares, but I went ahead and did all 72.  What was I thinking?  
Anyway, I finally finished the flimsy - it's a queen sized quilt using 9" blocks.  I had a few extra that I'll be making into a door quilt for my parents.  I learned about door quilts from one of Nancy's posts at Grace and Peace Quilting.  
I thought I was doing fine with my squares, but alas maybe not so much.  As I put them together, the points started shaking as they realized they would be cut off or sewn into the seam.  😢
Either way, it's finished and I'm keeping it!  I discovered so much about the blocks I enjoy making, the ones that are more challenging and color combinations.  I'll still be trying to keep my points on future quilts!
I'll be posting the finished photo soon as by the time I finished it on Saturday, the sun had set.   UPDATE:11/28 AND HERE SHE IS!  My husband had fun trying to photograph this lovely girl!
This picture in the shadows was the best one we could capture without the breeze joining in on the fun!

My husband liked this angle.  Please not our official "anchor" - 
a vase of seashells from our many walks 
on beaches far and wide.

I love how beautiful our tree looks in this photo!

How could I resist including this photo?
Do you see my husband's shadow in the glass door?
He's precious.


To Do Tuesday

Last Week's List


1.  Sunday Slow Stitching:  Keep up with my daily QAYG Hexagons.  UPDATE 11/22:  Here's a picture of  my Slow Stitching for today:  prepping the hexies! ✔ Done and done!  I actually am all caught up with my hexies!

This was Mama's tray. 
I asked if I could have it for my Slow Stitching. 
I love working on it...

2.  Slow Sunday Stitching:  Work on my mittens.  UPDATE 11/22:  And here's a picture of the progress on my mittens!
✔ Done and done! 
I made a bit more progress, but not enough to photograph.  

3.   Crochet:  Progress on both Tranquil afghans and make more dishcloths. No Progress.
4.  Machine Sewing:  Stitch up the Qube Crush quilt top.  ✔ Done and done! 
5.  Choose and prep this year's Christmas gifts for my grandbabies. I've picked out their gifts, but haven't prepped yet.  Maybe today?
This Week's List
1.  Sunday Slow Stitching:  Keep up with my daily QAYG Hexagons.  
2.  Slow Sunday Stitching:  Work on my mittens. 
3.   Crochet:  Progress on both Tranquil afghans and make more dishcloths. 
3.  Machine Sewing:  Prep my catch up blocks for Melva's Santa Fe Trail SAL.  
4.  Machine Sewing:  Secret sewing for Christmas!

   Gratitude Journal
I am so grateful for LeeAnn's I Like link up every Thursday at Not Afraid of Color!  She really helps me to see the glass half full!  
So...last Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving I received the text from the DOH that I had tested positive for COVID.  Why am I including this news in my Gratitude Journal?  Because, thank God, I am fully vaccinated and had just received my booster the week before.  My symptoms are so very mild!  At its worst, it felt like a sinus infection, for which my PCP had already given me antibiotics!

Though my husband and I were the only ones at our Thanksgiving table (yes, I cooked a traditional meal), we found joy in being together.  It's been a quiet, but nice quarantine weekend. 

I was heartbroken as my trip to see my parents is postponed - I cried so much as I thought of their disappointment.  But, in rereading my own Bible studies, I remembered that the LORD has His reasons and His timing is perfect.  Also, my symptoms are so very mild, how can I not be grateful? Amen?
I so enjoyed Jenn's Bookshelves Thankfully Reading event!  It made my Thanksgiving weekend even more warm and cozy!  

Thomas Branigan Library is having a book sale!
If I test negative next week, I plan to be there!

My husband and I are trying to avoid
fried foods when we can.  
A dear friend taught me how to make 
flautas in the air fryer!  
Simply heat up the tortillas, fill them with the meat
of your choice, roll them, secure with a toothpick
and drizzle a bit of olive oil on them.
I baked them at 350 for about 7 minutes/until crunchy! 
Delicious! 

Kitty and I got in some oh so rare cuddles.
She is slowly become more domesticated!   


Perhaps you'll visit these link ups!    





Can I Get A Whoop Whoop? @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict (Friday)

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22 comments:

  1. Hi there! How wonderful to stumble upon your blog. The Good Lord above sure does know how to lead us. Thank you for your wonderful and inspirational post.

    I agree completely with your Daddy - give time time. Wow. I needed that today!!

    The House in the Cerulean sea truly was a wonderful, but not that easy to read if you struggle with prejudice in even the smallest aspect. Will always remember it and can't wait to read his next one!

    Hope you will have a wonderful and blessed week ahead.

    Elza Reads

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  2. I read Gone for Good a while back and enjoyed it. I'm glad you are making progress on some of your projects. Check out what I read this month at Girl Who Reads.

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  3. I'm sorry that you tested positive for Covid and that you had to delay your visit to your parents, but I'm glad that your symptoms are mild.

    I have The Personal Librarian on my list to read in the future.

    I'm continuing the Thankfully Reading event today. I've finished a couple of books, including Bicycling with Butterflies, a book I really enjoyed.

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  4. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I have heard the best things about cooking in the air fryer and hope you enjoy future creations using it.

    And its true that when you are struggling with life challenges, sometimes you just need to give yourself time and be patient with yourself and your journey.

    Happy Sunday!

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  5. Those flautas sound amazing. I may need to dig my air fryer out this holiday season.

    Happy Sunday!
    Lori
    https://fiftytwo.blog/2021/11/28/sunday-post-11-28-2021/

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  6. Hello and happy Sunday. I followed you from Deb's Sunday Salon post. I recently finished Gone for Good and thought it was a good start to a new series. I had to smile at your yarn in and out spreadsheet. I don't knit but I'm big on paper crafting and probably should do this with all the paper I buy! Hope you have a lovely Sunday!

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  7. Im glad to learn that your brush with Covid was so mild.
    I’m curious about The Secret Keepers of the Gricery Depot, I hope you enjoy it

    Wishing you a great reading week

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  8. "Give time time." There is much wisdom in that statement. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Elijah. It was a great reminder and an encouragement for me.

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  9. You are now the 3rd blogger that I follow who has COVID. One has the long COVID that keeps you sick for months...years...One is in the hospital but doing better. You have the mildest case of the three. Hang in there!!!

    Thank you for the flautas recipe!!! I'm too late to update my grocery order for THIS week, but will plan to make them NEXT week.

    Love the stockings and hexies!!!

    The book published every year since your birth sounds like a fun challenge.

    Love your sweet kitty.

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  10. Your finished quilt is lovely. All those little blocks of pretty pattern and fabrics are fabulous. Those stockings are very sweet; as are the hexies. It is good to read that your Covid experience is a mild one. May you, this week, feel better with each new day.

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  11. Oh this dreadful Covid. Most of my kids have had it. Some mild, and some hospitalized. Made a mama bout worry herself to death. But, prayers helped them through. Praying always God takes it away soon. Glad yours is mild. Take card, and watch your oxygen level, but you probably already know that. Sounds you're keeping busy. I'm trying. Have a great week ahead.

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  12. Congrats on the finish! The quilt looks great.

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  13. That quilt is gorgeous!! I love seeing photos of your cat too. I'm so glad your brush with COVID is mild. I'm going to get my booster this week.

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  14. your quilt is gorgeous. I may have to try flautas. I have an ariy fryer and the only thing I make in it are french fries...lol.

    my post: https://blessedmommysc.blogspot.com/2021/11/thanksgiving-week-sunday-post-19.html

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  15. The quilt is beautiful, glad to hear your brush with Covid is mild, I just had my booster on Wednesday.

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  16. Patricia hope you continue to get well, yes good to have had the booster. I love your quilt top. I don't know where it was but someone was talking on a podcast about a display of very old quilts and they noticed all the missing points and wavy sides. We put hours into these quilts and then they keep someone warm and they and probably we - forget about missing points and just enjoy all the beauty.

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  17. I enjoyed Amanda Cox's book and I think the Personal Librarian looks good. I hope you enjoy your books! I am so sorry you were not able to visit your parents, but thank the Lord you did not carry Covid to them! His timing is perfect indeed. https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2021/11/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-9.html

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  18. Great post! A little bit of everything, just the way I like it :) Thanks for stopping by!

    Colletta

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  19. I hope you are continuing to recover with just slight symptoms from Covid. Good for you for getting the vaccine & booster. May God continue to protect you and family. Hopefully there will be a trip for you soon to visit your parents. Your quilt - 72 blocks? Amazing! And your slow hand work hexies and mittens are looking good!

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  20. I'm so sorry about your positive test and feel heartbroken for you in your disappointment about your folks. I agree His timing is perfect. I used to tell my kids that God stands on the hill looking both directions, and that we are in the valley and can't see what's ahead like He can. He knows best that's for sure. I hope you test negative so you can go to the book sale! Qube Crush quilt is gorgeous! And great photos too. I love that you're using your Mama's tray for your slow stitching. :)
    Thank you for linking to To Do Tuesday!

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  21. So glad you are on the mend! Hoping you get t see your parents soon! Adorable cat - and that meal! So Yum looking!

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