Psalm 3, Fiber Fun, Literary Living, Finding Joy

 

Hello There,

Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate your time and visit!  This week my son had the terrible after-COVID-migraines.   Last night he showed signs of improvement and even asked for pizza!  I think we may start with homemade chicken soup.  LOL! 

So it’s been a pretty quiet week around here—lots of reading, sewing, and playing my Township game. I definitely set a timer, because that game can be surprisingly time-consuming. My grandchildren are thrilled that I’ve finally joined them in an online game, and they’ve been patiently—and very gently—showing me the ropes.

It feels like I’m making small bits of progress each week, slowly finding my land legs after Daddy’s passing. I’m beginning to comment more regularly on link-ups and respond to your sweet comments again. After six months away, I even spent a few hours at the sewing machine yesterday!  My husband was thrilled. It felt a little strange, but it was nice to finish a quick project that you'll see below.

Big hugs to you all! 

Take good care and, as Daddy used to say, 

"Make memories; it's later than you think."

HERE'S A WORD

As I prepped for this study, I simply highlight all the words that describe what God does for us in my Bible.  Then I make a list of them.  I'll follow the same format here.

A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom.

1 O LORD, how my foes have increased!

How many rise up against me!

2Many say of me,

“God will not deliver him.”

Selaha

3But You, O LORD, are a shield around me,

my glory, and the One who lifts my head.

4To the LORD I cry aloud,

and He answers me from His holy mountain.

Selah

5I lie down and sleep;

I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.

6I will not fear the myriads

set against me on every side.

7Arise, O LORD!

Save me, O my God!

Strike all my enemies on the jaw;

break the teeth of the wicked.

8Salvation belongs to the LORD;

may Your blessing be on Your people.

Selah

My list reads like this:
- shield

- is our glory

-lifts up our head

- answers us

- sustains us

- deliveres us

- strikes our enemies

- blesses us

In a mere 8 verses, look at all our LORD does for us, His children! What is it you need from God today?  A shield?  Encouragement?  Answers?  Strength?  Delivererance?  Protection?  Blessings?  As we sincerely seek God and humbly present our desires to Him, let us remember this:  1) to lean into the Holy Spirit's leading as we pray, 2) to pray first and foremost for His will in the situation, and to end our prayer with praise and thanksgiving.  

I am re-learning to trust the Lord even more in all situations.  After all, as The LORD asked Job in chapter 38:  

4“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?

Tell me, if you understand.

It has served me well to read Job 38-41.  I call those chapters my faith builders.  Then Isaiah 55:8 comes to mind:  

8“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

9“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

These readings along with Psalm 3 give me great comfort. I pray they do the same for you, my dear.

Please know this:  

You are loved.  You are not alone.  You are being lovingly prayed for.

FIBER FUN

I broke down my "To Dos" into three categories:  Finish, Focus, Prep/make a kit, and Be Kind = Soft Deadlines.  FoF represents the Fields of Fancy BOM, which I'm doing with Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabrics.  FBF represents the Flower Box Friends BOM

Last Week's List

1.  Finish 

Remember these ornaments I started back in December? Last month, I hand stitched accent beads on about half of them, and I’ve finally pushed through to finish them. While there are still more in the queue, having "Set One" complete feels fabulous! To finish them off, I layered them into a quilt sandwich, tucked in a ribbon for hanging, and stitched around the edges. A quick trim with the pinking shears provided the perfect final touch!  

My fabric strips runneth over, so I made this cute little strip hot pad.  I love the "fireworks" backing!

2.  Focus

- Gengar cross stitch:  DONE! I've made quite a bit of progress on him, even though, yes, I had to start him over.  Instead of 14 ct. I'm experienmenting with 16 ct.  Aida cloth. According to Pattern Keeper, Gengar is 20% finished!

It's so much easier on my hand to stitch the smaller projects without a hoop.  However the excess fabric does get in the way.  I found if I use binding clips, it's easier to manage and so much kinder to my hands.  I may switch to smaller clips.

- QAYG quilt - DONE!  I was surprised how big this quilt already is!  After reaquainting myself with the project, I even got some stitching done!  

  

3.   Prepare/make a kit 

- I've been away from my Fields of Fancy BOM for so long, I will be reviewing what I have prepped so that can make my "Focus List"  DONE!  I was pleasantly surprised to see how many hexagons are prepped!  I can get right to stitching!

4. Be kind = Soft Deadlines - which are good for my mental health!

This Week's goals

1.  Finish - no finishes planned

2.  Focus - 

- FoF BOM:  While I’d love to be appliquéing one Acufactum hexie and binding another as I used to do, I’m setting a more realistic goal for now: I'll focus on getting one bound and getting a head start on the appliqué for the next

- Gengar cross stitch - finish another 15%

- QAYG quilt - finish stitching the row I'm currently connecting- FBF:   

3.   Prepare/make a kit

After shopping my stash, I’ve decided to make a Disappearing Nine Patch quilt. This week, I’m hoping to begin cutting into these fabrics.  The teal one will be the main fabric and the pink will be the center patch.  

LITERARY LIFE   

Here are some interesting reading challenges on Deb's from 2026 Reading Challenges  post.  These are a few I chose to join.   Click on the image to go to the information page.

2026 Reading Challenges

The Creativity Reading Challenge hosted by Jannghi at Whatever I Think Of! caught my eye.  I first saw it on Deb's (Readerbuzz) post and was immediately interested.  

(I struggled with downloading the image, probably my own technological deficiencies.😏)

I believed I discovered StoryGraph two years ago.  One of the features I love is that their challenges come with a wide-range, fabulous book suggestions that supplement the lists the various hostesses/hosts have generously supplied!  

I joined these groups on StoryGraph and plan to incorporate those books in to my Reading Challenges as well:

Indigenous Fiction

2026 Reading Across Latin America

Read More Books by BIPOC Authors in 2026

Latina Magic Reading Challenge

Jewish Reads 2026

I did try to provide links, but they go straight to my personal account.  However, I highly recommend you explore their challenges!  My 2025 Challenges automatically converted to 2026 Challenges!  Love it!

Here are a couple of reviews:  

*****Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum is a gentle read about taking the time to heal, books (of course) and hope.  You will read about a group of friends support each other - without judgement - as they go through their personal transitions in life.  I found wisdom and points to meditate on in each chapter.  I'm glad I took my time reading Bo-Reum's book to experience each character's changes.  I know if I re-read Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop, new lessons would emerge.  I hope this will be the start of what is sure to be a wonderful series.  Highly Recommend.  

**** The Satisfaction Cafe by Kathy Wang was a 3.5 book for me.  I liked the story line, the setting and the characters.  Joan, the protagonist, is likable and sincerely wants to create a life well-lived for her family.  I also loved, absolutely loved the premise of a cafe like The Satisfaction Cafe.  However the pacing was slow and I felt like the story line was drawn out.   If you're in the mood for a gentle, slow paced book, this one fits the bill.  

Here is the summary from Goodreads:

"Joan Liang’s life is a series of surprising developments: She never thought she would leave Taiwan for California nor did she expect her first marriage to implode—especially as quickly and spectacularly as it did. She definitely did not expect to fall in love with and marry an older, wealthy American and have children with him. Through all this she wrestles with one persistent question: Will she ever feel truly satisfied?
As Joan and her children grow older and their circumstances evolve, she makes a drastic change by opening the Satisfaction Café, a place where people can visit for a bit of conversation and to be heard and understood. Through this radical yet pragmatic business, Joan constructs a lasting legacy."

MAILBOX MONDAY - is a gathering place for readers to share books that they added to their shelves or eBook readers the previous week.  Some of these books were recommended by you!  Do you see your reads below?  Thank all of you for sharing!

Here's what I've picked up this week. 

ereaderiq.com I'm starting to post these titles on Instagram on the day I acquire them as the deals are short-term.

Hoopla:  These are all audiobooks.

Kindle Freebies:  None

Libby:  

NetGalley:  None

Purchased: None 

PaperbackSwap:

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.  I mixed up the prompts, so here is the real one:  Do you ever sing in the shower? ( do you have a go to song you sing a lot?)

You know, I don't sing in the shower.  I do however like to sing as I go about my day, but not a lot.  I do a lot of humming though.  Honestly, my family would prefer I not sing out loud.  Even the dogs howl if I sing too loud.  :)  

If I love the song I'm listening to, all bets are off—I'll be singing loudly and dancing like nobody's watching!

Some years back, I joined  this blog:  1 Xmas Item a Month, but it fell to the wayside.  I've decided to pick it up again to hopefully avoid the Christmas Creating Rush by creating a project/gifts every month.  I hope you check out the link.

Your comments are so appreciated! 

I read each one and will respond by email.

You can also expect a visit from me as well!

Here are the parties I sometimes link up with:  

Sundays

Slow Sunday Stitching @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Salon at Readerbuzz

Mondays

Mailbox Monday @ I'd Rather Be At the Beach

Sew and Tell at Melva Loves Scraps

What Are You Reading at The Book Date

Tuesdays

To Do Tuesday posts at Quilt Schmilt

Thursdays

I Like on Thursdays at Not Afraid of Color

Finding God in the Psalms: Psalm 2, Fiber Fun, Literary Living, Finding Joy

 

Hello There,

Thank you for stopping by!    I've enjoyed visiting your blogs and catching up with your lives.  

This week we've been in quarantine as a few family members have COVID.  Thankfully, by the grace of God, I'm healthy.  We've sectioned off the house and I've actually enjoyed living in my bedroom by creating a mini office, a small library and a hand sewing area. Thankfully, my family members have turned the corner and are slowly improving.  

As I shared last week, the post- holiday grief very much surprised me as I mourned my precious Daddy.  Thank you for your sweet emails.  The blessing is that my empathy has grown, as have my dependence and faith in God.  We can now share a few "Daddy" stories and laugh.   From deep brokenness comes deep healing.  Amen?    

Take good care and, as Daddy used to say,

"Make memories; it's later than you think."

HERE'S A WORD

Reading the Psalms looking for God has been quite the change for me.  I usually read the Bible to learn and share life lessons.  So, as a friend shared, I am simply writing the verbs from each Pslam and then summarizing them.  

1Why do the nations conspire ^a

and the peoples plot in vain?

2The kings of the earth rise up

and the rulers band together

against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,

3“Let us break their chains

and throw off their shackles.”

4The One enthroned in heaven laughs;  

the Lord scoffs at them.                                    (laughs and scoffes at His enemies)

5He rebukes them in his anger                              (rebukes and terrifies His enemies)

and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

6“I have installed my king                                       (has installed His King on Zion)

on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my Son;

today I have become your father.                       (He tells Jesus He is His Father)

8Ask me,                                                  

and I will make the nations your inheritance,     (answers prayer)

the ends of the earth your possession.

9You will break them with a rod of iron ^b ;

you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10Therefore, you kings, be wise;                              (gives advice and warnings)

be warned, you rulers of the earth.

11Serve the Lord with fear

and celebrate his rule with trembling.

12Kiss his son, or he will be angry                             (angers) 

and your way will lead to your destruction,

for his wrath can flare up in a moment.                   

Blessed are all who take refuge in him.                (blesses those who take refuge in                                                                                 Him)

All this tells me that God laughs and scoffs at His enemies as He deals with them.  The defeated one certainly comes to mind when I read "His enemies.)  He has already lost the war, through God, we are victorious!

He warns rulers (and us) to accept Jesus, for if they don't they will face His wrath. This is hard to read (and to write).  However, this dear Psalm ends with a promise:

Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

This is what I envision as I take refuge in God:

I also remember this sage advice from a missionary in Okinawa:

"There is no safer place to be 

than waiting on the will of God."

I pray this blesses you as I stumble through this study.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  

Please know this:  

You are loved.  You are not alone.  You are being lovingly prayed for.

FIBER FUN

I broke down my "To Dos" into three categories:  Finish, Focus, Prep/make a kit, and Be Kind = Soft Deadlines.  FoF represents the Fields of Fancy BOM, which I'm doing with Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabrics.  FBF represents the Flower Box Friends BOM

Last Week's List

1.  Finish

- Gengar cross stitch NOT DONE

I tried stitching on plastic canvas and made the rookie mistake of cutting it too small. Now, I'm experimenting with 16 ct Aida, (one of my goals) started it over. I don't remember struggling with cross stich 45 years ago.  😂

2.  Focus 

- Turn the grands' stitchery into ornaments. NOT DONE
I want to have Gengar finished, so I can work on all of them at one time.

3.   Prepare/make a kit 

-I haven't decided yet.  I think I'll clean up my sewing room and make a plan for the month...or just the next couple of weeks...or maybe just a week ahead.  I'm so scatterbrained lately!  😉DONE

While cleaning my sewing room, I found that in my scatterbrained mind, I started a ton of projects in December that I'd like to deal with.

I've been influenced by so many of you that have been stitching up such cute QAYG projects.  This UFO has been calling my name.  It will be added to my "Focus" section.  

4. Be kind = Soft Deadlines - which are good for my mental health!

This Week's goals

1.  Finish 

Remember these ornaments I started in December?  I've decided to complete the ones with beads stitched on.  

2.  Focus

- Gengar cross stitch   

- QAYG quilt

3.   Prepare/make a kit 

- I've been away from my Fields of Fancy BOM for so long, I will be reviewing what I have prepped so that can make my "Focus List"  

4. Be kind = Soft Deadlines - which are good for my mental health!

LITERARY LIFE   

Finished 

**** The Peacock Emporium by Jojo Moyes is centered around Suzanna Peacock as she struggles to find peace with her mother and herself.  She opens a shop, The Peacock Emporium, which sounds like a delightful setting to have coffee/tea while shopping.  Jessie, her shop assistant, adds a warm tone to the shop, thus encouraging customer to return.  Yet, her life is sadly complicated.

The characters, plot, various twists and turns as well as the charming shop itself kept me interested in the novel. Recommend.  

MAILBOX MONDAY - is a gathering place for readers to share books that they

added to their shelves or eBook readers the previous week.  Some of these books were recommended by you!  Do you see your reads below?  Thank all of you for sharing!

Here's what I've picked up this week. 

ereaderiq.com

Hoopla:  NONE

Kindle Freebies: NONE  

Libby:  

NetGalley:  NONE

Purchased:  NONE  

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: Have you ever lived anywhere else?

Oh yes, I have lived in Alamogordo as well as Clovis, NM.  I loved living in Okinawa, Japan!  During 2025, we lived part time in San Diego.  

Here's some memes you might enjoy.

Love this song:

Never Walk Alone by Hope Darst

   

Your comments are so appreciated! 

I read each one and will respond by email.

You can also expect a visit from me as well!

Here are the parties I sometimes link up with:  

Sundays

Slow Sunday Stitching @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Salon at Readerbuzz

Mondays

Mailbox Monday @ I'd Rather Be At the Beach

Sew and Tell at Melva Loves Scraps

What Are You Reading at The Book Date

Tuesdays

To Do Tuesday posts at Quilt Schmilt

Thursdays

I Like on Thursdays at Not Afraid of Color