Monday's Strength. Morning Glory Blocks 5 & 6. Book Date.

Monday's Strength

You know, I've been surprised at how calm and peaceful I've been these last few months.  Yes, there have been tears, but, for the most part, I've been walking in faith.  

I like this sentence from Jana Alcorn's book, Don't Throw in the Towel, Hope Again!  How can we grow our ability to handle disappointment?  By leaning on our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It's only through Him that our strength comes.  

I pray for His joy - which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).  Then, after my pain, trial, disappointment has passed, I can go on to comfort others with the comfort I have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).  

After the trial, comes opportunities to testify to His grace and our victory through Him!

Morning Glory Blocks 5 &  6
I finished two more blocks for my Mother/Daughter BOM!  Here are Morning Glory's Blocks 5 & 6!

I finished Block 7 last week, so I'm over halfway finished!

Book Date

Current Reads

The Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird

                                                         

Quiltfolk is a magazine, but it reads  like a book and I love it!

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Shelved

Educated by Tara Westover

Sadly, this awesome read was a libray book and, due to the many people requesting it, I had to turn it in before I finished it.  

Finished
None yet!

Linking up to:

MondayMaking @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

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

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

Thank God For My Cancer Diagnosis. Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching. Sunday Stats

Thank God For My Cancer Diagnosis

Yes, you read correctly:  Thank God for my cancer diagnosis.  There's a verse that I remember when I am confused about my journey:  Isaiah 55:8-9.  When life hits, this is my go-to verse, my anchor.  Life has hit.  Dad has been diagnosed with METS (metastatic cancer).  He has advanced stage prostate cancer that metastasized to his bones.  In November 2018 his CT scan was clear, now it's not.  
We are very close - his role throughout my life has been both mother and father.  I thank God that I have been down this road, because I "get it" and understand him.  He also has tons of support from the rest of the family. 
This week I've leaned on my faith and family like never before.  A line from Praying Through Cancer: Set Your Heart Free from Fear: A 90-Day Devotional for Women by  Susan Sorensen blessed me during my journey:

The Big "C" is bigger than the Little "c".

I'm indeed "gracefully broken", but not destroyed.  Amen?  Amen!

Saturday's Song


Slow Stitching
As I'm spending time with Daddy (Yes, at the age of 56, he's still "Daddy" to me!), my Grandmother's Flower Garden has been put on hold as I work on portable hand stitching projects.
One is a Hand Pieced QAL dual hosted by Patty at Elm Street Quilts and Kristin at Simple. Handmade. Everyday.  

Here's my blocks thus far.

 Practice Blocks 1 and 2

Block 1

Block 2

I found this older QAL at hosted by Erin at Why Not Sew? 
I've prepped a few of Erin's blocks.  This is my "Year of the QALs and BOMs".  I needed a way to organize my fabrics and patterns.  Enter the 3-ring binder and page protectors!

A few hours dedicated to prepping blocks - choosing, pressing and cutting the fabrics - yields to optimized sewing time.  

When I'm home, I pull the sleeves and sew away on my machine.  I use this same system to have my machine embroidery projects ready.  That way, as I'm sewing one one machine, my machine embroidery sewing machine is hard at work as well.  It's the perfect 2 for 1!  

If I'm going portable, I take the prepped fabrics in my hand sewing kit.  A screen shot of tutorials guarantees I'll have access to the pattern regardless of WiFi connect-ability.  (Is that a real word?)

Being that I'll probably be spending time away from home, these hand piecing QALs are a special blessing to me.  God always prepares our path.  I'll be forever grateful to these hard-working hostesses of the hand piecing blogs.  

Sunday Stats
I want to thank those wonderful ladies have sent in ideas on how to figure out my fabric usage for BOMs.  I've fallen behind in commenting and fully reading comments, but am trying to catch up.  Therefore, fabric usage is the same.  
fabric usage - 3.45/100 yards  (same as last week)

yarn usage - 12/100 ounces 
I've made several dishcloths, so those numbers have gone up!  Yea!

This year I've decided to use the same basic pattern.  Thus far, my favorite yarn is Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton!  

I'm linking up to:
A Spirit of Simplicity
Spiritual Sundays

Sunday Scripture Blessings 

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create

Jesus Asked It #3. Fall Into a QAL. Book Date.

Jesus Asked It #3
I hope you're enjoying this study of the questions Jesus asked!  Our second question is found in the Sermon on the Mount as well. 

Love for Enemies

43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighborⁱ and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

  

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor (fellow man) and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, ^[n]love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may [show yourselves to] be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are good, and makes the rain fall on the righteous [those who are morally upright] and the unrighteous [the unrepentant, those who oppose Him]. ⁴⁶ For if you love[only] those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers [wishing them God’s blessing and peace], what more [than others] are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles [who do not know the Lord] do that?⁴⁸ You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:43-48 Amp.

Enemies.

I think we all have them. 

So, what is an enemy? And what to do with our enemies? 

According to Webster, enemies are:  1) one that is antagonistic to another; especially : one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent or 2)  a military adversary, a hostile unit or force. 

So what do we do with our enemies?

Jesus tells us in the previous verses:

 As He is preaching this, I can just imagine the crowd’s faces of indignation, confusion and rebellion.  So, Jesus explains via questions:

 As followers of Christ we should take the higher road, or, as is said, “Be the bigger person.” 

Ouch.

I must remind myself that ,

like most things,

loving my enemies

is a process;

progress not perfection

and to

be gentle with myself as well as with others.
Another QAL
So, with so many UFOs and WIPs, I have managed to avoid joining any QALs/CALs this year.  But, Caroline's at From My Carolina Home Teacup QAL had me at foundation paper piece. I want to improve my skills in this area.

Then the Partners in Design bloggers started Fall Into A QAL.  
I resisted.
and resisted.
Then I saw a block in "real life" as a show and tell in a class.  I was hooked.  It's applique - another area in which I've been wanting to improve on as well. 
Sooooo, I didn't make it through 2018 without joining a QAL.....  and that's fine by me!  :)
Here's my fabric pull!  I'm finally cutting into my batiks for a substantial project.  The white one is a fabulous glow-in-the-dark fabric!  I think that's perfect for a fall themed quilt, don't you?

Here's the fabric pull for Block 1!

Knowing that I would need some other colors, a few weeks ago I purchased some brown batik fabric.  

I'm excited to begin these blocks!

Book Date

Reading

Dreams of Falling by Karen White.  

The Prince: Jonathan #3 in the 

Sons of Encouragement series

Don't Throw in the Towel, Hope Again 

by Jana Alcorn

Pastoral by Andre Alexis will be my second book in the 12th Annual Canadian Book Challenge hosted by Melwyk at The Indextrious Reader. 

Finished

Ok.  Hands down, The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison was a read that kept me hooked and even surprised me as the story progressed.  Going into the book, I knew someone was going to die, but I just couldn't see the wife doing the deed herself.  Harrison kept the story moving, let me into the characters' minds and kept me hooked until the last word.  Perhaps one of my favorite parts was the alternating chapters revealing each characters' thinking and perspective on their relationship.  If I gave my books star ratings this one would be a 4.5!  Book one is finished for the the 12th Annual Canadian Book Challenge hosted by Melwyk at The Indextrious Reader. 

The Warrior: Caleb of Francine River's series, Sons of Encouragement was also a fabulous read.  As I go through this series, my faith is growing, just as it did when I read her Lineage of Grace series which is based on the women in lineage of Christ.       

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

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

Main Crush Mondays @ Cooking Up Quilts

Moving It Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

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

12th Annual Canadian Book Challenge hosted by Melwyk at The Indextrious Reader. 

Jesus Asked It #2. A New QAL: Teacups Quilt Along! Book Date

Jesus Asked It #2
Jesus Asked It #2

From last time, we ended with this question:

If we lose our "saltiness" (purpose) or our light, how can we be made salty/filled with light again?  Unlike salt, we can be redeemed.  

My first thought as I wrote that question was this verse:

³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

Clearly, after reading this verse in context, Jesus is referring to food, shelter and clothing.  Seek first His kingdom and the rest will come.  

However, then, I have to ask myself, “How do we lose our light, our way, in Christ in the first place?”  
Sin. 

Plain and simple.

Therefore, how do we become restored to our Father and thus become “salty” again?

Repentance and receiving the forgiveness of God.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^a free from the law of sin and death.  Romans 8:1

This brings me great relief, because how could I write this blog, testify as to the glory of God, and exhort those who are hurting to trust in Him if I am living under condemnation and unforgiveness?

To become salty again, to find my purpose again, I hope I remember to

1)       Seek first His kingdom and righteousness,

2)       ask God’s forgiveness for my sins,

3)       receive His forgiveness and then, the hardest part,

4)       remember that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 

A New QAL!
Carol at From My Carolina Home shared about a foundation paper pieced project she was experimenting with.  She asked her readers if we might be iteresting in a QAL....well....yes!  So, I joined up, ordered the book, Cups and Saucers, and am ready to rock and sew!  
UPDATED:  I actually added the link!  :)
Here is a list of her posts so far.  I'm hoping to remember to update this list as we go along.  Please feel free to remind me if I forget!  
She shared what the quilt may look like as well as some basic instructions and tips.  Wanna join us?
Here are the fabrics I'm planning to use:

-

Book Date

Reading

I wasn't sure about The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison, but I'm really liking it!  It's part of a challenge I joined:  the 12th Annual Canadian Book Challenge hosted by Melwyk at The Indextrious Reader. 

My current ebook is Dreams of Falling by Karen White.  

I'm already enjoying the 2nd book, The Warrior: Caleb in Francine River's series, Sons of Encouragement.    

Finished

The Priest: Aaron by Francine Rivers was fabulous.  I gained so much insight into how much Aaron and Miriam's life was affected by Jochebed's placing Moses with Pharaoh's  daughter.  I also gained so much appreciation for the responsibilities leaders in our church face.  

I started and finished 

Another Man's Moccasins by Craig Johnson this week!  

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

Show and Tell Mondays with Bambi

Main Crush Mondays @ Cooking Up Quilts

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

Moving It Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag

Philippians 2:16 Part 2. Hexagon Afghan Trick & To Do Tuesday.

Philippians 2:17
Scripture

Observation

Paul's eyes are on the bigger goal - the bigger purpose of his life - bringing people to Christ.  He realizes that his life on Earth is temporary, but his eternal life is exactly that --- eternal.  He doesn't want to arrive to the party without a "hostess gift":  The ones who came to Christ via God working in him.  


Plus, I see he needs a bit of a need for encouragement (or perhaps reassurance?).  He wants to be sure that all his labors, his work for Christ, his suffering has not been in vain - for naught.


Application
Honestly, I was prepared to move onto verse 17 today, but my good LORD stopped me in my tracks.  He gave me a peek into Paul's heart.  

I've always seen Paul as strong and confident.  However, as strong or confident we may seem, we all have our vulnerabilities.  

Maybe, just maybe, this sentence tucked away in verse 16 is showing a bit of his own vulnerability......

Today, my "take away" from verse 17 today is simple:  
1) Paul is most definitely an exhorter.  
2) Paul has needs and desires - one of which is to be sure his life, suffering, work has not been in vain.

Here's the big take away:
Our pastors are the same.  They need to be encouraged as well - and not just on Pastor Appreciation Sundays!

Was there a sermon that touched you?
Or even just a sentence they spoke?
Send him/her a note and let them know.

Is there a characteristic you love about your pastor?
Send him/her a note and let them know.

WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE 

OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS!

Be it our pastors, deacons, or even our husbands/fathers.  

In my opinion, there's nothing like a note that they can read over and over again when they are discouraged.  

Gotta go.

I have a note to write.

Prayer

LORD, You have never failed to surprise me during this study.....and I thank You for that!  You are amazing!

Please encourage our pastors - and our spiritual leaders whenever they need it. Work through us to be Your instruments of encouragement by giving us discernment, wisdom and commitment to encourage them.  Amen!

Hexagon Afghan Trick

&

To Do Tuesday.

My work continues on my Hexagon Afghan!  Here's the progress I made this week!

 I almost met my To Do Tuesday goal 

of adding 30 more individual hexagons!  

I got to 27!  

I finding that if I crochet these hexagons

and then add them to the afghan,

it goes so much faster - 

at least mentally!

I'm loving this method!

Another To Do Tuesday Goal

was to cut out my $7.50 blocks.

I'm halfway there!

I did meet my goal of 

completing my Teal Blocks for RSC!

This week's To Do Tuesday Goals are simple:

1) Finish my BOMs - 

the $7.50 and Drunkard's Path

2) 30 more individual hexies added to the Hexagon Afghan.

I'm linking up to

Hookin’ On Hump Day at

Petals to Picot

And

Moogly

Oui Crochet Community  

Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River  

To Do Tuesday at Stitch All Things.