Jesus Asked It #5. Teacup Quilt Along Block 2. Book Date.

Jesus Asked It #5

As soon as I read Jesus’ next question, I remembered my first years as a bilingual teacher.  It was so overwhelming!  So, to simplify my life, I decided to join my students and wear the uniform that they wore:  blue pants/skirt and a white blouse.  That way I could focus on what was truly important:  being the best teacher I could be. 

As I read the above verse, I wondered if Christ was really saying:  “Seriously, why do you worry about clothes?  There are lost souls to be saved, the sick to be healed!  Time is short!  Focus on what is important, people!”

So, what is really important in your own life to focus on?  What is God calling you to do?  Jana Alcorn pointed out Isaiah 38:2 in her book, Don't Throw In The Towel, Hope Again. 

Instead of focusing on Hezekiah turning towards the wall, she points out that he could have been turning AWAY from everything that was distracting him from God’s voice! 

Dear Reader, do we need to do this as well?  Do we need to cease worrying about the little things so that we can focus on what is vital? 

If God takes care of nature, surely He will take care of us, His beloved children! 

Go forth in joy and confidence!  

Do not problems, pain and worry distract you from listening to God’s voice and fulfilling His will for your life!  Amen?  :)

Teacup Quilt Along Block 2
Carole at From My Carolina Home recently posted Block 2 of her Teacup Quilt Along!  This cup was a bit more challenging, but so much fun!  Here's mine!

It's not to late to join up!  I have all her posts listed here.  
Book Date

Currently Reading

Finished

I enjoyed the setting and characters in Pastoral by André Alexis.  The setting was idyllic for Father Pennant's wanderings.  The human nature was shared quite honestly and realistically.  I look forward to reading the sequel, Fifteen Dogs.  This is my 2nd book finished for the 12 Annual Canadian Book Challenge hosted Melwyk at The Indextrious Reader!

Maeve Binchy again, presented an intriguing read.  Our young protagonist is faced with an exceedingly difficult dilemma in which she chooses as wisely as she can.  Eventually, the story comes to a somewhat abrupt end which provides her with some measure of peace and the ability to move forward.  

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi
Moving It Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? @ Book Date

I so appreciate your comments!

Still Stitching #12 Part 3. Scrappy Four Patch Progress. Finished Tree Hugger. Book Date + a New Reading Challenge!

Still Stitching #12 Part 3.  

Still Stitching #12 Part 2 Still Stitching #1

The pain is still there.

The effects of various types of abuse are still there.

But, I am doing the hard work to be a thriver:

Talk therapy.

Growing in my faith.

Support groups.

Begin gentle with myself.

Forgiving those who hurt me.

Forgiving those who failed to protect me.

Understanding that man has free will.

Understanding and believing that all things work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

I no longer ask, “Why me?” , but instead ask, “God, please use this experience to help me help others.” 

I no longer ask, “Where were You, God?” because He has shown me exactly where He was:  at my side weeping.

I can tell you that every experience I have had has served to bless others in one form or fashion.  Therefore, it was worth it. 

God is faithful. 

God is trustable.

God is there – when you are ready.

He is also there when your loved one is ready.

https://serenityvista.com/ the-three-cs-of-al-anon/

https://serenityvista.com/

the-three-cs-of-al-anon/

It is not your fault. 

You are not responsible for their habits. 

You did not cause them to drink/drug. 

You cannot cure them. 

You cannot control them. 

Our loved ones need to make their own choice: 

Will they be a victim?

Will they be a survivor?

Will they be a thriver?

By the way, so do you, my dear reader.

When my children tell me about a bad

“mothering moment”, I now am ready with a heartfelt response:

“I am so sorry.  Don’t blame me, you showed up without an owner’s manual!”

It may sound trite, but it’s true. 

We do the best we can at the time with what we have. 

Period.

None of us came with an owner’s manual. 

But we have The Manual to learn.  God’s Word. 

Maybe you’ll pick it up and try reading it, if you haven’t already? 

Our series has come to an end.  Here is the link to the first post and then you can follow the links to subsequent posts if you like.  I hope you have been blessed and encouraged in some small way.  Be Blessed my dear reader, Be Blessed!

Scrappy Four Patch Progress

More patches made:

And more to be pressed and sewn up!

So excited!

Finished Tree Hugger
I had mentioned before that I have been taking classes at my LQS this summer.  One of them is a PhD class - Projects Half Done!  
This beautiful wall hanging for Hoffman is called Sew Into It Tree Hugger by Cindi Edgerton.  It was a previous class and I took it to finish last Saturday.   It was my first paper piecing project and I'm tickled at how it came out!

 The tree skirt was a bit time consuming, but worth the effort.  

It now hangs in the quilting queue.  I plan to use red binding for the finish!  Did you notice it would work as an Advent Calendar?  I see making the decorations in my future!  

Book Date
Reading

My church is taking a break from reading this book for the summer.  I finished the Old Testament and will also take a break so that I can read it with my church in the fall.  So far, I'm still enthralled with this book!  I've read through the Old Testament in this book!  Yea!

I have begun regularly reading The High Tide Club.  There's a bit of mystery and intrigue that I am enjoying.  

I started Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herse and am already sucked in.  It's interesting to be in the mind of a person struggling with their faith and wondering how in the world this romance will come to be! 

Audiobooks

I am currently listening to The Time in Between by María Dueñas.  I am hooked on both the book and the author!  I hope to read more of Ms. Duenas' books!

I've started How Hard Can It Be?  by Allison Pearson.  It is the second in the Kate Reddy series.  I have put it on hold until I finish the above book because of library time limitations.  

Finished

I put off finishing this book because I didn't want to say goodbye to Malala.  But, I finished it last night and was not disappointed.  I recommend reading this book slowly so you can digest the thoughts and story of this young lady.  

Robyn Carr did not disappoint with Any Day Now.  Though it is the sequel to What We Find, it can be read as a stand alone as well.  

I've also decided to stretch a bit and joined the 12th Annual Canadian Book Challenge hosted by Melwyk at The Indextrious Reader!  So, from now until June 30, 2019 I should read 13 books by Canadian authors or about Canada.  You can find all the details here.  I don't know many Canadian authors, so this list is very helpful!  

The first book I chose was Fifteen Dogs a novel by André Alexis, but I noticed it was #2 in the series, Quincunx .  So I ordered the first book, Pastoral by Andre Alexis.  

Until it comes in, I'll be looking for another book that meets this challenge's requirements.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated.  :)

You can see the list of books I've read over at Goodreads!  My user name is, of course, Miaismine!

Linking up to

Monday Making @ Love, Laugh,Quilt

Moving It Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

Main Crush Mondays @ Cooking Up Quilts

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? @ Book Date

a jar filled with marigolds