Psalm 8 Part 1, Fiber Fun, Literary Living, Finding Joy

Hello There,

Thank you for stopping in today!  Lately I've noticed a change in my mindset. While I enjoy my current fiber projects, there are so many hidden gems and long-lost UFOs I am also working on and want to share with you!   

Next week, you’re invited to a 'Parade of Behind-the-Scenes Projects' to see my hidden fiber arts collection!   I'll share my progress via an occassional "break from the routine" posts.

    For now, happy reading, sewing, and enjoying whatever else you love to do!

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.

Psalm 8 is filled with so many revelations that I'm breaking Psalm 8 into mutiple posts so we can really focus on each act God takes.  

Psalm 8 ^a

For the director of music. According to gittith. ^b A psalm of David.

1Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory

in the heavens.

2Through the praise of children and infants

you have established a stronghold against your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

3When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

4what is mankind that you are mindful of them,

human beings that you care for them? ^c

5You have made them ^d a little lower than the angels ^e

and crowned them ^f with glory and honor.

6You made them rulers over the works of your hands;

you put everything under their ^g feet:

7all flocks and herds,

and the animals of the wild,

8the birds in the sky,

and the fish in the sea,

all that swim the paths of the seas.

9Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Even though I’ve read through Psalm 8 multiple times, I keep discovering more of what God has done for us! Here is the complete list I’ve gathered—if I missed anything, please let me know in the comments.

1Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory in the heavens.

I enjoyed researching verse one immensely! Matthew Henry’s commentary made my heart race. Imagine the most powerful worship experience you’ve ever had. Here on Earth, we see a glimpse of God’s glory, but the angels see it in the heavens where it shines even brighter—and even then, they cannot see His full glory! Can you imagine that?

Despite the many times I’ve read Psalm 8 or sung the worship songs based on it, I never really thought about this in detail. Yes, we’ve gazed at the sky, seen the moon and stars, or perhaps even the clouds, and thanked God for His wonders. But have we ever really considered that we are only seeing a part of His glory? Oh my! When I think of all the beauty I’ve been privileged to enjoy here on Earth, I’m overwhelmed by the thought of seeing even more of my precious God’s glory in heaven!

Life can be hard, but God has overcome the world and is eager for us to see His glory—if only for a moment. Regardless of where we are or the challenges we face, let us take a moment to simply focus on Him. Let’s offer a prayer of praise and gratitude, for God inhabits the praise of His people. Amen?

Here is a wonderful song to get us started.  

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.  

Last Week's List

1.  Finish - I am once again pulling projects from my little pink plastic case.  

 -  - the third pen holder I highly recommend cutting the fabric 1/4” larger one each side.  Another change I would make is to sew a scant 1/4" seam.  Not Done

2.  Focus - 

- FoF BOM:  finish binding one hexie Done!  I completed two!  

- Maybe complete 10% of the Darth Vader ornament I'm a little under 10%, but am well on my way!  He doesn't look like much - yet.  :)

- QAYG quilt - maybe join the row to the main piece or make a section to add at a later date  Done!  The quilt is all one piece now.

- FBF:   I'll be picking up this BOM at a later date

- Disappearing Nine-Patch:  Finish joining the blocks  together Not Done!  Up until now, I've been a bit gun shy to machine sew.  This weekend I'll be working on this goal.  

3.   Prepare/make a kit

- for Grandson #3's cross stitch ornament 

He requested a T-Rex ornament, so my husband and I finally ended up choosing this pattern by More Little Stitches.  The photo below is her's.  :)

After conversing with several Etsy sellers, I've realized there are many copycat patterns online and I have been fooled into buying them.  I must live in a bubble as this was news to me.  So now, to ensure I am getting an original pattern,I only purchase cross stitch patterns that include the color AND black and white charts.  I don't know if this is a fool-proof method, but, for now, that's what I'm doing.  It's important the original artist gets the proper credit.  I'm interested in your thoughts, please share them in the comments.  

-  my only grandaughter's  hand embroidered ornament

She requested a beautiful floral arrangement by EmbroideryArtbyNatCA.  The photo below is from EmbroideryArtbyNatCA; it is not mine.  :)

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

This Week's goals with a new mindset

Do you ever catch yourself eyeing an old UFO (UnFinished Object) that you’re dying to work on, but you hold back because it’s just not on the list?  I certainly do—and I’ve realized I truly miss those projects. While I’m still setting some goals, I want to make space for these new and neglected pieces. 

Next week, you’re invited to a 'Parade of Behind-the-Scenes Projects!' I’ll be sharing a look at my hidden fiber arts and even changing up my normal blog format to show you the progress.  I do hope you'll join us!  

1.  Finish - My orange pen/sewing supplies holder

2.  Focus 

- FoF BOM:  finish binding at least one hexie

- Complete 10% more of the Darth Vader ornament  

- Disappearing Nine-Patch:  Get the rows sewn together as a flimsy  

- QAYG quilt and the Flower Box Friends will be on hold for now. 

3.   Prepare/make a kit - Prepping kits are finished, now it's onto stitching time!  

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

Please remember to visit next Saturday for my Parade-of-Behind-the-Scenes-Projects!

LITERARY LIFE   

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.

BOOKS I FINISHED

*****+ Mi Abuela es Una Bruja (My Grandma is a Witch) by Mayra Cuevas is filled with an enchanting illustrations by Lorena Alvarez Gómez depicting the loving relationship between the author and her loving grandma.  As a child, Cuevas was taught many lifelong lessons by her Grandma.  They lived in the enchanted world that is Puerto Rico.  Gómez certainly captivated the deep love this child and grandma enjoyed throughout their time together.  Most highly recommend.  

"An uplifting story, told through the alternating voices of two middle-schoolers, in which a community rallies to reject racism.
Karina Chopra would have never imagined becoming friends with the boy next door–after all, they’ve avoided each other for years and she assumes Chris is just like the boys he hangs out with, who she labels a pack of hyenas. Then Karina’s grandfather starts tutoring Chris, and she discovers he’s actually a nice, funny kid. But one afternoon something unimaginable happens–the three of them are assaulted by a stranger who targets Indian-American Karina and her grandfather because of how they look. Her grandfather is gravely injured and Karina and Chris vow not to let hate win. When Karina posts a few photos related to the attack on social media, they quickly attract attention, and before long her #CountMeIn post–“What does an American look like? #immigrants #WeBelong #IamAmerican #HateHasNoHomeHere”–goes viral and a diverse population begin to add their own photos. Then, when Papa is finally on the road to recovery, Karina uses her newfound social media reach to help celebrate both his homecoming and a community coming together." -Goodreads

*****+Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj is a tenderly told story that addresses a difficult reality: hate crimes. Bajaj beautifully illustrates how Karina’s two worlds—her physical neighborhood and her online community—come together against the ignorance that can lead to violence. It is a story of resilience that feels exceptionally appropriate for our young people today.

This book, and others like it, would be such a relevant addition to any school’s curriculum. I’ve already passed my copy along to my grandchildren to help start those important conversations at home.  Most Highly Recommend. #Countmein 

I’d love to hear from you: Have you come across a children's or young adult book recently that handled a "tough topic" with grace? Please share your recommendations in the comments!

FINDING JOY

LeeAnna's I Like on Thursdays at Not Afraid of Color helps me consistently find the joy in every life.  Here is her prompt for this week:  If you could bring back any fashion trend what would it be?

Well, I'm not much of a "fashionista", but I did enjoy wearing broomstick skirts.  They were comfortable, swirly and could be dressed up or down.  I sure miss them, though I'm not sure if they've really gone out of style?  

Here is a fabulous recipe for Banana-Apple Bread from Jen T at Food.com. It is a fun twist on traditional banana bread. I’ve made it twice now and found that it tastes even better with Pink Lady apples. I also added pecans for a bit of protein. Enjoy!

God Bless All Future, Current and Retired Librarians.

Once a librarian, always a librarian.

You are the first responders

to many social issues.

Thank you.

Are you or someone you know in a valley?  

Perhaps this song will bless you both?

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