April 6: Psalms 139:23, Fiber Fun, Literary Live and Finding Joy

  

Hello There,

I hope you all are doing well!   Thank you for stopping by!  This week has been hectic, yet in the end, it all has worked out.

My Daddy ended up in the hospital, but was released yesterday.  Just in case we had to go to San Diego, we packed two weeks of activities into five days.  

This included two birthday celebrations, errands, doctor appointments and such.  Happily, he was well enough to release to him home vs. a rehab center. I'm so eager to visit him and Mama!

Hence, not too much stitching was accomplished, but joy fills the air!

HERE'S A WORD - Faith...broken faith...faltering faith.  Here I will share a Scripture about these topics.  No judgement, only love.  

God knows our hearts. God. Knows. Our. Hearts.

David even asked God to test him and know his anxious thoughts.  

Before verse 23, David writes about how God knows him and even hems him from behind, from before and lays His hand on him. Please take a moment to read it...it's a devotional series all on its own.  Well worth our time.

While in the desert, we may not feel God, much less His hand upon us.  We may feel anxious, lonely and abandoned.  And that's ok.  It's all ok.

Let's us still talk to God, share our anxious and, perhaps our anger, questions and/or frustration with Him.  He goes before us.  He knows our thoughts.  But there is something healing to sharing them with Him.  

Then, perhaps a peek into His Word or another faith-based book will minister to you.  One book I have found to be a balm on my soul is Don't Throw in the Towel, Hope Again.  

Might you have a prodigal family member?  Perhaps my list of books might help you? Are you or someone you love facing cancer? These books ministered to me during my own journey through cancer.  Looking for faith building books?  Try these.  I bet some of you have other recommendations.  Please share them in the comments.

Please keep in mind, even in our deserts, we are not alone.  He goes before us - even if we can't feel God.  Remember, feelings are not fact.  Hugs to you!

FIBER FUN  

Hand Embroidery/Cross Stitch:  

Here is the progress I've made on the Fields of Fancy embroidery.  I played with filters to help the stitches show up more. 

English Paper Piecing:

All month I've worked a bit on the RSC, and will continue both with yellow and red, which is April's color.  

Looks like it's time to add to the beginnings of this project!

Mini charm packs are my EPP's heart best friend.

I pulled from these to get reds as well as from my 30's fabrics fat quarter collection/scraps.  

Quilting: Perhaps this week I'll make progress on this cute, but sensible Atlas Zipper Case by Center Street Quilts.  Here's a Google search for inspiration!  

LITERARY LIFE -   

CURRENT READS

Yea!  Lilliana's Invincible Summer came in!  Looking forward to finishing it!  My friend and I are almost finished with A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.  We will then complete our study of The Names of God by Ann Spangler beginning with the New Testament.  

FINISHED

*****Where the Heart Should Be is a superb story of the love between classes during the Irish Potato Famine.  I was struck by how even resistance under a harsh government was futile, but the people maintained their strength.  In difficult times, where should our hearts be:  with our family's or our one true love?  Highly recommend 

***** The Story Collector is a dual timeline filled with Irish folklore, questions and a peek into how the past certainly affects the future.  Should we take chances?  Can misadventures turn into serendipitous, life changing moments?  Highly recommend.

*****The Water Keeper Murphy Shepherd Series: In this series, Charles Martin is highlighting despicable human trafficking with grace, hope and wisdom - which seem to be characteristics of many of his books.  The narrator, Jonathan K. Riggs, has an amazing voice which draws the reader into the story even more.  Highly Recommend.  

***** Flight of Dreams, admittedly, the multiple characters made it tough immerse myself in, but, as the story developed, connections became clear.  Then it was difficult to put down, even though I am struggling to read eBooks!   The Hindenburg explosion is an unsolved mystery which Lawhon gives a possible scenario.  Her combination of pace plus combining fact and theory made this an enjoyable, albeit, educational read.  Highly recommend. 

FINDING JOY - LeeAnna's I Like on Thursdays at Not Afraid of Color helps me consistently find the joy in every life.  She also provides a prompt for us to use.  

This week's prompt is:  As a youngster or teen, did you get a new dress, hat or shoes for Easter?  go to church or have big family gatherings? Do you mark the holiday now in some way?

My memories are vague of my childhood; however, I do remember as a little girl, I would have a new dress for Easter.  We did go to church every Sunday, so on Easter we simply went more dressed up.  I have vague memories of an Easter basket.  Before my family moved to San Diego first I, then later my sister, would host a family meal and have a huge egg hunt!  The grandparents, though in much "pain" would practically knock over the great-grandkids in their eagerness to find eggs!  Pain was forgotten for a few moments.  

Now, our celebration is smaller with simply us - my children and grandchildren.  

Have you heard of BookTV?  Shelley at Book'dout shared about it and 

What might you know about Punch Embroidery? My LQS started carrying these kits from Kimberbell and I picked one up.  As you can see, they come with everything you need to get started and the bag would be great for portable projects when you finish your Punch Embroidery project!  I may be picking up a new craft.  I'd love to hear tips from you all! 

I sure enjoyed this tomato basil soup and Greek Salad 

at The Shed, a locally owned restaurant!

These flowers are a reminder that Spring is in the air!

Last month marked the two-year anniversary of Mia's, my precious fur baby, passing.
This painting was sent to me from LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color.
Thank you so much, LeeAnna.
Miss you, my baby.

Enjoyed this post?

Never miss out on future posts by following this blog!

Your comments are so appreciated! 

I read each one and will respond by email.

You can also expect a visit from me as well!

I'll be linking up to 

Deb's Sunday Salon at Readerbuzz

Sunday Slow Stitching @ Kathy's Quilts

Melva's Sew and Tell at Melva Loves Scraps 

Kathryn's What Are You Reading at The Book Date

Carol's To Do Tuesday posts at Quilt Schmilt

LeeAnna's I Like on Thursdays at Not Afraid of Color

Alicia's Rainbow Scrap Challenge at So Scrappy

 Links are in sidebar 😉🠆