Thought for the Week. Book Date. Stash Report. To Do Tuesday. Slow Stitching. My Likes!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

The Battle Belongs to You by Phil Wickham continues our theme:  our battles - regardless of what they are - belong to God. 

What do you battle with?  

Health? Relationships?  Abuse?  Emotional?  Fear?  Anger?  Loss of faith?  Grief?  Anxiety?

As these lyrics say:  Fall to your knees with your hands lifted up to God!  Nothing can stand against the power of our God!  He shines in the shadows!

His ways are higher than our ways!  Trust Him, my dear reader, trust Him!

A Week of Jesus, Stitching, Reading, and Crocheting. and "Likes"!

Hello There,

This past week has had a few more challenges than usual. I know I'm not the only blogger who faces challenges in life, but wow!  I sure admire those of you who can blog consistently despite life's curve balls!  My hat is off to all you!

However, I must make changes to meet these unpredictable challenges.  After much thought, I've decided to write one post a week and continue linking up to all my usual parties.  

Another change is I will be posting daily on my Instagram account (user name:  miaismine22).  This account is private, but please just request to follow me and you're in! (As this account is private, it will also have a bit more personal posts with "behind the scenes" details!)  

So, please, pull up a chair, serve your favorite drink and enjoy the journey with me!     

Song of the Week:  Glorious Unfolding Part 5

Tuesday' Thoughts: Glorious Unfolding Part 2. To Do Tuesday. "I Like".

Tuesday' Thoughts: Glorious Unfolding Part 2

On Sundays I feature a favorite song.  Last Sunday I started a mini series on Steven Curtis Chapman's song, Glorious Unfolding.  

Let's continue this series.

The first part of the chorus is our focus today.  

And this is going to be a glorious unfolding

Just you wait and see and you will be amazed

You’ve just got to believe the story is so far from over

So hold on to every promise God has made to us

"So hold onto every promise God has made to us."

Countless times we lose hope because we don't know the promises of God!  

Tuesday' Thoughts: Psalm 15. To Do Tuesday. "I Like". Quilting Projects, Crocheting, New Recipes, Social Media Posts

Tuesday's Thoughts

When I read Psalms 15:1, my heart began to beat a little faster as my anxiety rose.  Would I be accepted in our LORD's sacred tent, welcomed to live with Him?

As I read the following requirements, my heart fell as I saw a list of my failings.....until Jesus Christ spoke to me.  We can choose to see the following list as list of our failings or a list of our accomplishments (for lack of a better word).  Perhaps it is even a combination of both!  

Read it.  

Go ahead.  

What do you see?

Tuesday's Thoughts. To Do Tuesday. Quilting: Geckos and a New Method. I Like

Tuesday's Thoughts 

A friend and I were discussing enemies and how this word applies to our lives.  Webster defines enemy as "one that is antagonistic to another".  

My friend stated that ,to her, "enemies" are also her own character flaws that separate her from God.  When she sees "enemies" in the Word, she will frequently replace it with whatever is causing her to stumble.  

Wednesday's Word: Psalm 13. Wednesday's Wrap Up. I Like Thursdays.

 Wednesday's Word: Psalm 13

Isn't life interesting?  There are highs and lows, hills and valleys, joy and pain.

David begins Psalm 13 with feelings of abandonment and defeat, 

but ended with rejoicing and praise.  What changed David's heart and attitude?  How did he go from defeat to victory? 

Wednesday's Word: Song of Songs 3:2a. Wednesday's Wrap Up Or Not. I Like Thursdays.

Wednesday's Word: Song of Songs 3:2a

Continued study of some of the verses shared in Lynn Austin's Until We Reach Home.

In this book, Sofia and Ludwig speak different languages. All they have is their Bibles and basic drawing skills to communicate. He/she would find a passage that explains their thoughts and share that passage with the other. As their time to separate nears, Ludwig shows Sofia this verse to reassure her that he will find her.
This made me think: What if all we had to communicate with our loved one were verses from the Bible?

Wednesday's Word: Song of Songs 8:7. Wednesday's Wrap Up. I Like Books & The Real Mia!

Wednesday's Word:  Song of Songs 8:7

Continued study of some of the verses shared in Lynn Austin's Until We Reach Home.

This verse from the Song of Songs took my breath away.

I immediately thought of my marriage.  We have faced numerous challenges in our many years of marriage.  I'm sure we are not alone there.

Wednesday’s Word: Psalm 66:2. Wednesday's Wrap Up: Pen Holder. I Like!

Wednesday’s Word: Psalm 66:2

I loved this part of Lynn Austin’s Until We Reach Home!  On the entire journey thus far, Ludwig constantly encourages Sofia with Bible verses.  This time, however, he is discouraged beyond words and, though she tries, no verse she shows him breaks his despondency. But then, she remembers her precious Mama.  Thank God for spiritual Mamas!

Wednesday's Word: Romans 8:28. Wednesday's Wrap Up. I Like!

 Wednesday’s Word:  Romans 8:28

There are so many parts to this verse that one can study, especially when we read it context!  But, to be honest, when I am struggling or a loved one is hurting, this is the verse that comes to me. 

Wednesday's Word: Psalm 22. Wednesday Wrap Ups: 1930's Baby Quilt/Table Topper! I Like Vintage Quilts

Wednesday's Word:  
Let’s continue with the verses from Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin. As her sisters are hospitalized on Ellis Island, Sofia finds herself all alone waiting for them to recover. Her friend, Ludwig, shares yet more Scriptures with her. 

Oops. A Day Late...Wednesday's Word. Wednesday Wrap Up. Thursday Likes!

Wednesday's Word

I just finished the audio book, Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin. One of the characters, Sofia, is separated from her sisters as they journeyed to America. She feels very alone and abandoned by God.

Perhaps some of us feel the same way as we quarantine. It’s conceivable that many of us are feeling abandoned by God.

It’s ok to feel that way: What’s important is what we do with those feelings.

Wednesday's Word. Wednesday's Wrap Ups. I Like....

Wednesday's Word

To fully grasp David’s words, I had to read 2 Samuel 15 – 18. Imagine David fleeing his own kingdom to escape his son’s murderous plot. David was incredibly broken and humbled as he fled for his life, yet, despite his circumstances, he continued to make wise decisions and trust in the LORD (2 Samuel 15:30, 2 Samuel 15: 11-12).

He was even forgiving toward his son, despite his murderous intentions (2 Samuel 18:5)! Not many can claim that type of grace – I know that I certainly can’t – God help me.

Hope.I Like.

Hope

This is the geranium that my son-in-law got me for Mother's Day several years ago.  I've taken good care of it, but despite my efforts, this last winter, it looked like I had lost it to a freeze.  I kept it in the shade by the pond and watered it faithfully even though it just looked like a pot of dirt.  And look what happened!"
With just a bit of hope, TLC and perseverance, we can be amazed by God's works!

I Like
 LeeAnna over at Not Afraid of Color hosts an "I Like" link up party.  This week I'm happy to join in the fun.  

I like being surprised....I thought this plant and its friends were weeds.  After a bit of patience, I realized that they are ready to bloom!  A friend thinks they may be lilies....we'll see!

I love making gifts for my daughter!  

These crocheted hangers 

are one of her favorite gifts.  

Before the stores closed,

I was lucky enough to find the 

same yarn that I used for 

her wedding afghan!

I'm beginning to really like my husband's doggie, Chico!  He used to really annoy me, but he's maturing nicely!

I like finding misplaced completed projects!  This one was in my "to frame" basket that I forgot I even created!  The embroidery design is by Mollie Johanson at Wild Olive.  She reblogged about this pattern as it is so appropriate for these times that we are living in. 

Her post is amazingly calming and healing.  

Linking up to 
Lea Ann's "I Like" Thursdays

Jesus Asked It #14: Matthew 7:16. I Like...So Many Things! $7.50 Blocks!

Jesus Asked It #14
Jesus Asked Series: 1,  2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Updated to include Bible Study.  :)
Seems like I forgot Bible Study portion of this post!  I'm so  sorry!  Let's get on with it, shall we?
I found the change of subject interesting as I read this question.  


The Scriptures went from judging others, to asking, receiving and giving, to remembering how narrow the road is that we should walk and now to discerning the message of the prophets.  Interesting in itself.  
When we hear the Word of God or even a prophetic message, especially from someone new, it's vital to test it against God's Word. Word.  I learned this from Pastor Mac Barnard in Clovis, NM.  I remember one sermon in which he encouraged us to study and ensure that his sermons lined up with God's Word.  His advice lead to me deeper studies of the Bible, to seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit and to using wisdom when attending a new church.  Over time, God will reveal the heart of a person.  
By the way, his sermons consistently lined up with the Bible.  :)
I Like....
Traveling!  A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I took what turned out to be a second honeymoon to the Taos Wool Festival 2019!  It was an amazing time.  I'll be sharing about in another I Like post.  :)
For now, here are some favorite likes!
Christian music!  As I'm driving and a great song comes on, I snap a photo of the screen (at the stop sign of course).  This reminds me to feature it on my weekend post:  Saturday's Song.  

I also like perusing Instagram for quotes.  I learn from them as well as share them with loved ones as they go through their own trials.  I even started printing them out and putting them in a journal.

I've been reading more and more lately!  My "Want to Read" list is quite healthy now!  I wanted to find a way to pick up the next great book, so I found this printable at Starts at Eight!  When I do have time to blog, I share my reading life on Mondays and link up to the Book Date's party - a fabulous blog and resource for other bibliophiles!  

 I have always said I can't draw, but last week my husband surprised me with a Kindle Fire 7.  I wanted to label the charger and add a drawing of a flame.  After an online search for "how to draw a flame", here is the result!  Tada! 

Maybe it's true what most artists say:  Everyone can draw!  :)

$7.50 Blocks
I've finished the last blocks for our $7.50 quilt!  

The final steps to finishing this quilt are a doozy, so I may put it off for a bit.  The end result however, will be worth it!

As with blogging, I fallen behind in other BOM's, so I've decided to at least finish up the blocks, catch up on others and then work on the finishing steps.  

Linking up to 

I Like Thursdays @ Not Afraid of Color

Whoop Whoop Fridays! @ Confession of a Fabric Addict 

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Jesus Asked It #12. I Like...Instagram! $7.50 Blocks!

Jesus Asked It #12
Jesus Asked Series: 1,  2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

When I pulled up this verse, I almost went back to Jesus Asked It #11 to make a correction!
Look how similar the verses are!  I hadn't noticed this before!
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
Matthew 7:3 NIV

4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
Matthew 7:4 NIV
I went to my trusty Layman's Bible Commentary for clarification.  I understood that as Christians we are not to judge others as a force of habit, but to use discernment in a loving manner and to make fellowship decisions for ourselves (a whole other topic in itself).  I also understood that if we are taking our own "imperfections seriously, we have little time for judging others" (pg. 44).  

How often do we ignore our own shortcomings - even if they are as large as a plank of wood and there all the while?  

I am learning that there is a fine balance between judging others and becoming a doormat.  This is where discernment and setting boundaries comes in.  

I am learning to pray for wisdom in judgment and reactions to the actions of others which directly affect myself and my loved ones.  I am also learning that boundaries are needed and healthy.   

I am learning.

I Like Instagram!
In light of the mass shooting in El Paso, I have been largely offline except for Instagram.  Here are a few of my likes:

 Our friends....love us in spite of and are always there for us....

 I had to look at this one carefully....

then I laughed out loud!

 Inspiration for my future yarn stash...

I have to get through my current one first!

 So true....

 So true.....

In a doctor's office

This is what my bed looks like after I make a grandchild in it and he slips out!

$7.50 Blocks
Two more blocks finished!

Just a few more and I should have two finished flimsies!
Linking up to 

I Like Thursdays @ Not Afraid of Color

Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Jesus Asked It #11. I Like...San Diego! $7.50 Blocks!

Jesus Asked It #11
Jesus Asked Series: 1,  2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
As you may recall this series started when my Pastor mentioned this in church:  If you really want to get to know Jesus, look at the questions He asked.  Let's continue on our journey.  

How often I have been guilty of this very action!  
I guess I made the most progress at breaking this habit when I heard this in Al-Anon:  

Dear one, it's a continual journey to improve ourselves, to live out God's Word, to become gentle with ourselves and others...progress not perfection...another Al-Anon slogan that impacted me.  It reminds me of Philippians 3:12.


Oh LORD, help us to focus on how we can better serve You by becoming the best women and men of God that we can be!

I Liked Loved Our Trip to San Diego!
What is amazing is that Daddy could go on vacation - and was well enough to enjoy it!  He hit many of his Bucket List dreams - and we (my sister, my brother-in-law, Daddy and myself) were blessed to be part of the dream with him!  He is weaker since his diagnosis, but his spirit and mind are willing!  Praise God!
Here's a few photos of the beauty we all enjoyed!

Mission Basilica at San Juan Capistrano

 The gardens were peaceful and filled with God's love.  I was reminded of our time in Okinawa.

 Even a nearby Starbucks was pretty!

Gotta love the ocean view!

 The view from our balcony....

such a beautiful place to lovingly crochet gifts...sigh.....

 I liked this hanging in our condo....

 My little sister staged this photo in a flash...such talent...such unity....we have the same feet!  :)

$7.50 Blocks

I've made some progress on my $7.50 blocks (updated to include link).  I'm only a month behind!  Yea!

Linking up to 

I Like Thursdays @ Not Afraid of Color

Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation
Whoop Whoop Fridays! @ Confession of a Fabric Addict 

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)